Thousands Under Evacuation as Canyon Fire Devours Southern California

A brutal wildfire dubbed the Canyon Fire has surged across southern California, burning almost 5,000 acres in under 10 hours and prompting urgent evacuation orders for thousands.

Fast-Moving Flames Cut a Wide Path

The blaze ignited on Thursday afternoon near Lake Piru, just north of Highway 126 and west of Castaic. By 9:40 p.m., it had grown to roughly 4,856 acres, with zero containment across both Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

As evacuation orders were issued, around 2,700 residents and 700 structures fell within mandatory zones. Another 14,000 people and 4,700 structures received evacuation warnings just before midnight.

Despite the harrowing flames, officials confirmed there were no injuries and residential damage had yet to be reported. Los Angeles County declared a local emergency to ensure swift access to critical firefighting resources.