Rapidly Spreading Wildfire North Of Los Angeles Forces Evacuations
Canyon Fire (YouTube/@NBCLA)
A Growing Wildfire Is Forcing Evacuations In Los Angeles
A fast-moving wildfire burning in the mountains north of Los Angeles has scorched thousands of acres and prompted widespread evacuations after igniting Thursday (August 7).
Fueled by extreme heat, dry conditions, and gusty winds, the blaze has grown rapidly and remains dangerously out of control.
Named the Canyon Fire, the blaze broke out near Lake Piru and exploded in size within hours, immediately threatening homes and communities. Mandatory evacuation orders are now in effect for thousands of residents, with firefighting crews battling to slow the fire’s advance.
Authorities report that approximately 2,700 residents have been evacuated in Los Angeles County, with 700 structuresunder a mandatory evacuation order as of late Thursday. An additional 14,000 residents and 5,000 structures remain under evacuation warnings, a lower-level alert advising people to prepare to leave if conditions worsen.
According to officials, the fire is at 0% containment.
Where Is Lake Piru?
Lake Piru is located in Ventura County, California in the Los Padres National Forest, and sits in between the Topatopa Mountains.
The lake is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and camping and sits in a remote, brush-covered area.
The region is known for its rugged terrain and dense vegetation, which, combined with high temperatures, low humidity, and gusty winds, have created ideal conditions for fire spread.
Lake Piru posted on their social media page, urging those in Level 3 evacuation zones to “evacuate immediately.”
“Lake Piru remains closed until further notice due to ongoing fire activity in the area. Public safety is our top priority. We continue to support firefighting efforts and will provide updates as conditions evolve,” they said.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents the district, encouraged residents to evacuate as soon as possible.
“Extreme heat and low humidity in our north county have created dangerous conditions where flames can spread with alarming speed,” Barger said in a statement. “If first responders tell you to leave, go — without hesitation.”
The Canyon Fire comes just days after another major wildfire in Central California, the Gifford Fire, grew into the state’s largest wildfire of the year.
Burning in the Los Padres National Forest, the Gifford Fire had spread to more than 99,000 acres and was just 15% contained as of Thursday (August 7) evening. It began due to at least four smaller fires that broke out earlier last week along State Route 166, prompting closures in both directions east of Santa Maria, a city of roughly 110,000 residents.
The fire has injured at least four people, and its cause remains under investigation.
This is a developing story.
