A fast-moving wildfire northwest of Los Angeles has forced thousands of people from their homes as temperatures climb and humidity drops.
The Canyon Fire started Thursday afternoon along the Ventura–Los Angeles county line. Within hours, it jumped from 30 acres to nearly 5,000.
By Friday morning, officials reported 25 percent containment. That number could shift quickly. Extreme heat and dry air are pushing flames into new areas faster than crews can dig in.
Some 2,700 residents have been ordered to evacuate According to the Ventura County Fire Department, evacuation warnings are in place for another 14,000. Communities on edge include Santa Clarita, Hasley Canyon, and Val Verde.
Along with the health official’s orders, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger they need to be taken seriously. When first responders say GO, GO NOW. Unescapeable drag hanging down & lives at risk if you stay. Please stop risking lives, she wrote on X.
There have been no immediate reports of injuries or homes destroyed, thus far. As firefighters have been working to keep it that way, up in the weather has not been on their side. Temperatures have reached 100°F (37.7°C) over the next week, but it doesn’t end there, according to the National Weather Service.
The Canyon Fire is one of several raging in California. Farther north on the Central Coast, the Gifford Fire has burned close to 100,000 acres in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.
California is getting wilder and wilder. Experts cite climate change — it has lengthened, intensified and complicated fire seasons.
The L.A. area has not been immune to deadly flames in 2023 so far. LIKE (1) The Eaton Fire in Altadena killed a minimum 31 people and destroyed thousands of buildings in January
But right now, authorities are telling people living near the Canyon Fire to pack a go bag, follow official alerts and be ready to go at a moment’s notice. Over the next 48 hours, we will tell what more land this fire will take.
