California Canyon fire grows overnight, thousands forced to evacuate

A fast-moving wildfire in Southern California grew overnight, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate as flames tore through dry brush just north of Los Angeles. The Canyon Fire ignited Thursday afternoon near Lake Piru in Ventura County and quickly grew from 50 acres to nearly 5,000 acres by Friday morning, according to Cal Fire.

As of now, the fire is 0% contained.

Fire fueled by heat, dry winds 

Officials described the Canyon fire as a “very dynamic situation,” fueled by hot, dry conditions and challenging topography. As of Friday morning, 250 firefighters battled the blaze with assistance from seven helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. 

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. 

Thousands under evacuation orders in Southern California

Officials said more than 4,200 residents and 1,400 structures faced evacuation orders, and another 12,500 people were under evacuation warnings. 

The blaze continues to burn in steep, rugged terrain near the Los Padres National Forest — the same area threatened by the Hughes Fire in January, which scorched about 15 square miles in just six hours.

So far, authorities have not reported any injuries from the Canyon Fire.

California wildfire risk remains high 

The Canyon Fire is the latest in a string of wildfires threatening California this summer. Earlier this week, the Gifford Fire in south-central California became the state’s largest wildfire of the year, threatening nearly 900 structures at its peak and still burning in the Los Padres National Forest, as reported by Straight Arrow News earlier this week. 

As of Friday morning, the Gifford Fire remains at just 15% contained, according to Cal Fire’s latest report.

Risk remains over weekend

Forecasters warned that wildfire conditions will remain elevated through the weekend, as a dangerous heat wave grips much of the state.  August and September are typically the most active wildfire months across California and the western U.S.