“The Canyon Fire erupted Thursday afternoon in Ventura and Los Angeles counties, unleashing fast-moving flames that have triggered mass evacuations and an all-out firefighting effort.”
A rapidly expanding wildfire tearing through the mountains north of Los Angeles has triggered mass evacuations as crews race to contain the fast-moving inferno.
Hundreds of firefighters fought the Canyon Fire through the night after it erupted Thursday afternoon in Ventura and Los Angeles counties, with triple-digit heat colliding with fierce winds.
Officials reported significant progress overnight as cooler conditions set in, noting the blaze was 25 percent contained by Friday afternoon. It has already scorched 5,370 acres, according to Cal Fire.
LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who oversees the district, warned residents to flee immediately.
“Extreme heat and low humidity in our north county have created dangerous conditions where flames can spread with alarming speed,” Barger said Thursday. “If first responders tell you to leave, go — without hesitation.”
Forecasters warned of more sun, heat, and dryness Friday, with highs near 100 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity levels in the mid-teens, the National Weather Service said.
The blaze is burning south of Lake Piru in the Los Padres National Forest, close to Lake Castaic — a recreation hotspot hit by the Hughes Fire in January.
🔥 Thousands Ordered to Flee — Rapidly growing Canyon Fire forces mass evacuations north of Los Angeles. 📍 Fire Zone Mapped — See exactly where California’s latest wildfires are raging.
