Canyon Fire Near Lake Piru Grows to 5,000 Acres

The Canyon Fire, which erupted early Thursday afternoon near Lake Piru on the Ventura-Los Angeles county line, has rapidly expanded from 30 acres to nearly 5,000 acres due to a severe heat wave with temperatures up to 100 degrees and wind gusts of 25 mph. Evacuation orders and warnings have been issued for the Lake Piru Recreation Area, Hasley Canyon, Hathaway Ranch, Oak Canyon, Romero, and Val Verde. Firefighters from Ventura and Los Angeles counties, with air support from the Angeles National Forest, are battling the blaze, which remains 0% contained and is threatening power lines and ranch homes. Road closures have been implemented in affected areas, including Piru Canyon Road and the Lake Piru Recreation Area. Officials report the fire is burning away from the town of Piru, but dangerous weather conditions continue to pose challenges. Resources are available for residents impacted by the fire, and the cause remains under investigation.