Thousands Forced To Evacuate After Wildfire Rapidly Spreads To Over 5,000 Acres

The rapidly-spreading Canyon Fire in California exploded to over 5,000 acres by Friday afternoon, forcing thousands of residents in northern Los Angeles County and eastern Ventura County to evacuate.

The fire is currently 25% contained, according to an alert posted by the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Los Angeles Times provided additional info:

Taking advantage of cooler temperatures overnight, crews were able to make some inroads against the fast-moving blaze, halting any additional spread and reaching 25% containment by Friday morning, Ventura County Fire Department spokesperson Andrew Dowd said. But he said the fight ahead remains challenging, given scorching weather, rugged terrain and a parched landscape that, together, can foster extreme fire growth.

“We’re still expecting hot and dry conditions today,” Dowd said. “We still have record-low fuel moisture in the area, so we’re not letting our guard up.”

Two small structures, likely sheds or outbuildings, have been confirmed destroyed in the blaze, Dowd said. Officials have not yet confirmed any homes or businesses damaged, but video from the scene showed at least one building engulfed in flames, though it wasn’t immediately clear the extent of any additional damage.

Residents in the Val Verde area said flames were visible from the neighborhood’s western edge Thursday, but it appeared to have calmed a bit Friday morning, though the air remains thick with soot and ash.