NATIONAL NEWS – New Canyon fire errupts in Ventura County, California, forcing thousands to evacuate

Ananya Roy, News Writer

A fast-moving brush fire, dubbed the Canyon fire, broke out on Thursday afternoon in Ventura County, California, rapidly expanding to over 7.6 square miles by nightfall. Officials reported zero containment as the flames spread eastward, fueled by scorching heat, low humidity, and rugged terrain. The blaze, burning just south of Lake Piru in the Los Padres National Forest, has prompted evacuation orders for about 4,200 residents and 1,400 structures in Los Angeles County, with another 12,500 people under warnings. Air crews and 250 firefighters are battling the “very dynamic situation,” officials said.

The Canyon fire comes as California’s largest wildfire of the year, the Gifford Fire in central California, continues to rage, now covering 154 square miles at 15% containment. Fire authorities warn that wildfire risk will remain high into the weekend due to an intensifying heatwave and ongoing drought conditions. Officials are urging residents in evacuation zones to leave immediately, citing the potential for flames to spread “with alarming speed.”