Canyon Fire Containment Grows as Crews Push Back Flames in Southern California

Firefighters in the mountainous terrain north of Los Angeles made major strides in containing the Canyon Fire, which erupted Thursday afternoon and quickly spread through dry, steep hillsides in Ventura and Los Angeles counties.

By Friday afternoon, the fire had burned more than 8 square miles and reached 25% containment, with more than 400 firefighters supported by aircraft and helicopters. The flames are burning just south of Lake Piru in the Los Padres National Forest, close to the site of a major blaze earlier this year near Lake Castaic.

Cooler overnight temperatures gave crews the upper hand, allowing them to directly attack the fire and slow its advance. On Thursday, crews battled scorching 100-degree heat and gusty winds, pushing themselves to the limit to gain control. One firefighter suffered a minor injury, but no homes were lost, though two minor structures were destroyed.

Friday’s forecast called for continued heat, low humidity, and moderate winds, leaving conditions ripe for flare-ups. Officials are urging residents to be vigilant and ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice.

In Los Angeles County, roughly 2,700 residents remain under evacuation orders, with another 14,000 under warnings. In Ventura County, evacuation areas are sparsely populated, but 56 people were removed from the Lake Piru recreation area.