Ventura County, CA – A rapidly growing wildfire near Lake Piru has prompted mandatory evacuations and widespread warnings across Ventura County and northwestern Los Angeles County, with over 4,800 acres scorched by late Thursday night and zero containment as of this morning.
Fire Grows From 200 to 4,856 Acres in Hours
Dubbed the Canyon Fire, the blaze was first reported just after 1:30 p.m. Thursday. Within a matter of hours, it expanded at an alarming rate:
- 200 acres by early afternoon
- 1,000 acres by 4 p.m.
- 1,500 acres by 8 p.m.
- Reaching 4,856 acres by 10 p.m.
Firefighters say the fire is burning in medium brush and steep terrain, continuing to push east toward Val Verde in the Santa Clarita Valley, driven by hot, dry conditions and gusty winds, according to KTLA.
Thousands Ordered to Evacuate
More than 2,700 residents were evacuated by 11:30 p.m. Thursday, and evacuation warnings now impact over 14,000 people. Mandatory evacuation orders are in place immediately around Lake Piru, with evacuation warnings issued for:
- Piru
- Castaic Junction
- Oak Canyon
- Val Verde
Authorities have also warned residents in northeastern Ventura County and western stretches of Los Angeles County to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
Heavy Firefighting Response Underway
A unified command between Ventura County Fire Department, Los Angeles County Fire, and the Angeles National Forest has deployed:
- Over 400 fire personnel
- 11 fixed-wing aircraft
- 7 helicopters
Air support is playing a critical role, especially with the fire burning in remote, hilly areas difficult to reach on foot.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but Thursday’s extreme heat—expected to be the peak of the current heatwave—is believed to have accelerated the fire’s explosive growth.
Shelter and Animal Evacuation Support
Residents needing assistance can access shelters and animal care at the following locations:
Human Evacuation Shelter:
- College of the Canyons, East Gymnasium
26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita
Large Animal Shelter:
- Pierce College
6201 Winnetka Ave., Woodland Hills
Small Animal Shelters:
- Castaic Animal Care Center
31044 Charlie Canyon Road, Castaic - Agoura Hills Animal Shelter
29525 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills
How to Keep Yourself Safe in Wildfire Conditions
As the Canyon Fire continues to burn, residents in evacuation zones or under warnings are urged to:
- Prepare go-bags with essential items now
- Keep phones fully charged and alerts enabled
- Follow official instructions immediately—do not wait
- Keep vehicles fueled in case a quick departure is needed
- Protect pets and livestock by moving them early
Firefighters warn that conditions could deteriorate quickly, and those in nearby areas should remain vigilant.
Are you or someone you know impacted by the Canyon Fire? Share your experience or safety tips in the comments.
