Canyon Fire Rapidly Expands, Triggers Evacuations Across Ventura and Los Angeles Counties Amid Extreme Heat
A rapidly spreading wildfire straddling the Ventura and Los Angeles county line on Thursday afternoon has forced mandatory evacuations as firefighters battle extreme conditions during a severe heat wave. Named the Canyon Fire, the blaze broke out around 2 p.m. near Holser Canyon Road, northeast of the town of Piru. Within just two hours, the fire had grown from an estimated 30 acres to over 1,000 acres, according to Ventura County officials.
Fueled by high temperatures nearing 100 degrees and wind gusts reaching up to 25 mph, the fire has been moving eastward toward Interstate 5 in Los Angeles County. Officials say it is threatening communities including Hasley Canyon, Val Verde, and Hathaway Ranch, as well as vital power infrastructure in the area. While the flames were initially moving away from Piru, nearby regions remain at risk.
Both Ventura and Los Angeles County fire departments have mobilized a large response. Approximately 150 firefighters are on the ground, supported by 11 fixed-wing aircraft and seven helicopters, according to Ventura County Fire Department. The National Weather Service has warned that the ongoing heat wave and low humidity could cause the fire to grow rapidly and behave unpredictably.
Evacuation orders have been issued for multiple areas. In Ventura County, this includes the Lake Piru Recreation Area and the communities of Piru and Camulos. In Los Angeles County, evacuation orders cover Del Valle, Val Verde, Hasley Canyon, and parts of Castaic. Surrounding areas remain under evacuation warnings, and officials have urged residents to remain prepared.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger emphasized the urgency of evacuating when instructed, warning that the current conditions could lead to fast-moving and destructive fire activity. “Extreme heat and low humidity in our north county have created dangerous conditions where flames can spread with alarming speed,” she said. “If first responders tell you to leave, go—without hesitation.”
To support those displaced, an evacuation center has been opened at the East Gymnasium of the College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita. Later in the evening, Barger issued a local emergency proclamation to help expedite the county’s deployment of firefighting and emergency resources. “Our priority is to protect lives, homes, and critical infrastructure,” she stated.
In addition to evacuation zones, several roads and recreational areas have been closed. The Lake Piru Recreation Area is shut down until further notice, and Piru Canyon Road, which connects Piru to the lake, is also closed due to fire activity.
The Canyon Fire is the latest in a string of major wildfires to erupt across California in recent days. It follows the Gifford Fire, which has burned more than 98,000 acres along the Santa Barbara–San Luis Obispo county line and has become the state’s largest wildfire of 2025 so far. Firefighters across the state are bracing for more outbreaks, as forecasters warn the ongoing heat wave could worsen conditions.
As of now, authorities are urging all residents in impacted zones to remain alert, follow evacuation orders promptly, and prepare for changing fire conditions. The next few days will be critical as crews attempt to contain the blaze and protect communities in its path.
