Multiple locations remain under evacuation orders near Piru in Ventura County due to a growing brush fire that has scorched more than 4,000 acres Thursday night.
The Canyon Fire is burning near Lake Piru, leading to mandatory evacuations in nearby communities and broader evacuation warnings in eastern Ventura County and parts of Los Angeles County.
The fire was first reported just after 1:30 p.m., exploding from 200 acres by 3 p.m. to more than 1,000 acres an hour later, according to Cal Fire. By 8 p.m., the blaze was 1,500 acres and by 10 p.m., it grew to 4,856 acres with zero containment.
Evacuations are in place in the areas immediately adjacent to the Lake, with warnings extending to the communities of Piru and Castaic Junction. Over 2,700 residents were evacuated by 11:30 p.m. and over 14,000 residents remain under an evacuation warning.
The fire continues to burn east toward Val Verde, which is located in the Santa Clarita Valley in Los Angeles County. Fire officials say it’s burning in medium brush and steep terrain, and spreading at a rapid rate.
Multiple evacuations have been ordered in Ventura County, with the area northwest and northeast of Lake Piru under evacuation warnings. Evacuation orders and warnings have also been issued for parts of Los Angeles County, including Oak Canyon and Val Verde.
The Angeles National Forest is providing air support to help battle the blaze, and the Los Angeles County Fire Department is also contributing, working in unified command with the Ventura County Fire Department.
More than 400 fire personnel, 11 fixed-wing planes and seven helicopters are assigned to the fire between the various partner agencies.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but the hot conditions are contributing to its growth, especially on Thursday, the expected hottest day of the heat wave.
An evacuation shelter is available at College of the Canyons, East Gymnasium in Santa Clarita at 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road.
Large animals can be brought to Pierce College at 6201 Winnetka Ave. in Woodland Hills.
Small animals can be brought to:
- Castaic Animal Care Center: 31044 Charlie Canyon Road, Castaic
- Agoura Hills Animal Shelter: 29525 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills
For an interactive map of evacuation warnings and orders, click here. More information from L.A. County officials can be found here.