Canyon Fire Forces Thousands to Evacuate North of Los Angeles

A rapidly growing brush fire forced thousands to evacuate on Thursday in a mountainous area north of Los Angeles.

The Canyon Fire ignited in the afternoon and quickly expanded to more than 7.6 square miles (19.7 square kilometers) by 11 p.m., according to the Ventura County Fire Department. Over 400 firefighters, supported by aircraft and helicopters, battled the blaze as it moved east into Los Angeles County. The fire remained 0% contained as of Thursday night.

The blaze is burning near Lake Piru, located in the Los Padres National Forest, and not far from Lake Castaic, which was impacted by the Hughes Fire in January. That earlier fire scorched 15 square miles in just six hours and led to 50,000 evacuation orders and warnings.

Dangerous Fire Weather Ahead

The National Weather Service expects conditions to worsen. Friday’s forecast calls for sunny, dry weather, with temperatures near 100°F (38°C) and low humidity. Winds are expected to pick up in the afternoon, increasing the fire danger.

In Los Angeles County, authorities reported that 2,700 residents had evacuated and 700 structures were under mandatory evacuation orders. Another 14,000 people and 5,000 buildings remain under evacuation warnings. The Val Verde zone saw a downgrade from mandatory order to warning status.

Ventura County Also Affected

In Ventura County, the evacuation zones were less populated. Still, 56 people were removed from the Lake Piru recreation area, said fire department spokesperson Andrew Dowd.

Dowd described the Canyon Fire as a “very dynamic situation,” driven by hot, dry weather and rugged terrain filled with dry brush.

Officials Urge Evacuation Compliance

LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger warned that extreme conditions make the fire unpredictable.

“Extreme heat and low humidity in our north county have created dangerous conditions where flames can spread with alarming speed,” Barger said. “If first responders tell you to leave, go—without hesitation.”

Gifford Fire Becomes California’s Largest of 2025

The Canyon Fire isn’t the only major wildfire burning in California. The Gifford Fire in Central California has grown into the state’s largest wildfire of the year, burning over 155 square miles (402 square kilometers) with only 15% containment.

The Gifford Fire began on August 1 from at least four smaller fires along State Route 166, near Santa Maria. It has injured four people and forced highway closures in both directions.

Authorities are still investigating the causes of both the Gifford and Canyon fires.

Elevated Fire Risk This Weekend

Wildfire danger remains high across much of inland California as a heat wave intensifies. August and September are traditionally the most dangerous months for wildfires in the state.

Officials are urging residents to stay alert, follow evacuation orders, and prepare for rapidly changing conditions.

SOURCE: AP News