S.W.A.T. Filming Halted Again as Hughes Fire Threatens Santa Clarita

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. — Filming for the CBS action series ‘S.W.A.T.’ was paused Wednesday due to the Hughes wildfire, marking the second disruption in weeks for the show after earlier shutdowns caused by the Palisades and Eaton fires.

The Hughes fire, burning near Castaic Lake, has consumed 9,400 acres and forced the evacuation of 31,000 residents. The blaze also temporarily closed a stretch of the 5 Freeway, a major transportation artery in Southern California. The fire’s proximity to Santa Clarita, where ‘S.W.A.T.’ is filmed, prompted production to halt as a precaution.

‘S.W.A.T.,’ starring Shemar Moore and produced by Sony Pictures Television and CBS Studios, will remain on pause through Thursday, Jan. 23. The series had only recently resumed filming after a previous shutdown caused by the Palisades and Eaton fires.

‘The safety of our cast and crew is our top priority,’ a spokesperson for Sony Pictures Television said in a statement. ‘We are closely monitoring the situation and will resume production as soon as it is safe to do so.’

The Hughes fire is one of several wildfires that have plagued California in recent weeks, exacerbated by dry conditions and strong winds. Firefighters are working to contain the blaze, which remains a threat to nearby communities.

Santa Clarita, located about 30 miles northwest of Los Angeles, is a popular filming location for television and movie productions. The area has faced repeated disruptions due to wildfires in recent years, highlighting the growing challenges of filming in fire-prone regions.