Canyon Fire Grows to Nearly 5,000 Acres in Southern California, Forcing Mass Evacuations [WATCH]

A rapidly expanding wildfire in Southern California has forced thousands of residents to evacuate as fire crews work to contain the blaze.

Dubbed the Canyon Fire, the wildfire began Thursday afternoon and has since scorched nearly 5,000 acres across both Los Angeles and Ventura counties, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE).

Firefighters battle the #CanyonFire in Castaic, California. Evacuation warnings were issued as the National Weather Service reported temperatures in the area reached between 90 and 100 degrees.
📸: @ericthayer pic.twitter.com/T2fkcEhenw

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The fire was initially reported as covering approximately 30 acres when it broke out around 2:00 p.m. local time northeast of Piru, an unincorporated community of just over 2,000 people in Ventura County.

As of Thursday evening at 10:00 p.m. ET, CAL FIRE reported the fire’s footprint had grown substantially, with zero percent containment.

Fueled by extreme heat and dry conditions, the Canyon Fire is being pushed eastward by prevailing winds toward Interstate 5, presenting a threat to communities including Hasley Canyon, Val Verde, and Hathaway Ranch.

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The National Weather Service recorded temperatures nearing 100 degrees Fahrenheit near Lake Piru on Thursday, exacerbating fire behavior in the region.

In a statement, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger urged residents to comply with evacuation orders.

Yesterday’s #CanyonFire is now over 5,000 acres! Stay safe everyone pic.twitter.com/qJW6QRopzw

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“Extreme heat and low humidity in our north county have created dangerous conditions where flames can spread with alarming speed,” Barger said.

“If first responders tell you to leave, go—without hesitation. The Eaton Fire showed us how quickly devastation can strike.”

Mandatory evacuations have been issued across multiple communities.

In Ventura County, orders affect the Lake Piru Recreation Area and the communities of Camulos and Piru. In Los Angeles County, evacuations are in effect for Romero, Val Verde, Oak Canyon, Hasley Canyon, and Castaic.

Andrew Dowd, spokesperson for the Ventura County Fire Department, told The New York Times that approximately 150 firefighters are currently engaged in firefighting operations.

Aerial resources have also been deployed, including 11 fixed-wing aircraft and seven helicopters.

The fire remains several miles from the city of Santa Clarita, which is not under evacuation orders at this time.

Firefighters are working around the clock to contain the Canyon Fire, which has now burned 4,856 acres across parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, according to Los Angeles County Fire Department spokesman Engineer Jonathan Torres.

The blaze, which was initially reported at… pic.twitter.com/UG1uhOSqPC

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However, emergency officials are warning residents in surrounding areas to remain alert and avoid the affected zones.

An evacuation center has been established at the East Gymnasium of the College of the Canyons, located at 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road in Santa Clarita.

Animal evacuation sites have also been designated: large animals are being accepted at Pierce College (6201 Winnetka Ave, Woodland Hills), while small pets can be taken to Castaic Animal Care Center (31044 Charlie Canyon Road, Castaic) or Agoura Hills Animal Shelter (29525 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills).

The Canyon Fire is now the fourth major wildfire in Southern California in recent weeks.

It follows the Gifford Fire, which burned 98,000 acres and became the largest fire in the state so far this year.

Earlier in January, a series of wildfires across the region destroyed more than 16,000 structures, burned 40,000 acres, and resulted in 30 fatalities.

Among those January fires, the Palisades Fire was the most destructive, affecting areas including the Pacific Palisades, Topanga, Malibu, and the Santa Monica Mountains.

The Eaton Fire, which burned over 14,000 acres in the San Gabriel Mountains, devastated the community of Altadena.

A February report from UCLA estimated that the fires caused $250 billion in damages and reduced Los Angeles County’s gross domestic product by $4.6 billion.

As of the most recent update at 9:34 p.m. ET Thursday, the Canyon Fire remains zero percent contained.

Emergency services continue to assess conditions and advise the public to stay informed through official channels.