Brush Fire Forces Thousands to Evacuate Ventura, Los Angeles Counties

A rapidly spreading wildfire known as the Canyon Fire ignited near Lake Piru on the border of Ventura and Los Angeles counties, prompting mandatory evacuations for thousands of residents in communities including Piru, Camulos, Val Verde, Hasley Canyon, Hathaway Ranch, and Castaic. The fire, fueled by a heat wave with temperatures near 100 degrees, expanded from an initial 30 acres to over 1,500 acres within hours and continued moving eastward toward Interstate 5, threatening additional populated areas and critical infrastructure such as power lines. Over 150 firefighters, supported by 11 fixed-wing aircraft and seven helicopters, are actively battling the blaze in rugged, steep terrain under extreme heat and dry conditions, with officials urging residents to heed evacuation orders without hesitation. While the fire moved away from Piru, it posed ongoing risks to the Santa Clarita Valley and surrounding communities, with some areas under evacuation warnings preparing for potential evacuation orders. The cause of the Canyon Fire remains under investigation as emergency response teams coordinate efforts across Ventura and Los Angeles counties, which are also experiencing other significant wildfires, including the massive Gifford Fire in Central California. Local authorities emphasize the seriousness of the situation and the importance of public cooperation to ensure safety amid these rapidly evolving wildfire conditions.