Explosive LA Wildfire Sparks Urgent Evacuations

A rapidly expanding wildfire northwest of Los Angeles has forced thousands to flee their homes as scorching temperatures and parched terrain fuel its advance.

Dubbed the Canyon Fire, the blaze broke out Thursday afternoon along the Ventura and Los Angeles county border. By Friday morning, it had ballooned from just 30 acres to nearly 5,000 acres.

Authorities in Ventura County reported that over 2,700 people have been ordered to evacuate, with another 14,000 under evacuation warnings. As of Friday, firefighters had made no progress in containing the blaze, which remains at zero per cent containment.

Hot, dry conditions and soaring temperatures have complicated efforts to gain control. The National Weather Service has predicted heat levels to climb to 100°F (37.7°C) in the days ahead, further increasing the fire risk.

Santa Clarita, one of the cities nearest to the fire’s path, remains on high alert. Local officials have urged residents to steer clear of impacted zones.

“The #CanyonFire is spreading fast under extreme heat & dry conditions near Ventura–LA County line,” LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger posted on X. “If you’re in Santa Clarita, Hasley Canyon, or Val Verde, take evacuation orders seriously—when first responders say GO, leave immediately.”

As of Thursday evening, no injuries or home losses had been reported, according to the LA County Fire Department.

The Canyon Fire is one of several active wildfires currently burning in California. The most extensive, the Gifford Fire, has scorched nearly 100,000 acres across San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.

Wildfire activity has become more intense and frequent in recent years, with climate experts pointing to global warming as a major factor. Longer dry spells and higher temperatures have made California’s fire seasons more severe.

Earlier this year, in January, the Eaton Fire devastated the Altadena area north of Los Angeles, claiming at least 31 lives and destroying thousands of buildings.