A violent wildfire in Northwest Los Angeles prompted thousands of residents to evacuate orders Friday as extreme heat and dry conditions exacerbate its rapid spread.
The fire, named Canyon Fire, ignited Thursday afternoon along the border between Ventura and Los Angeles County. By Friday night, it had expanded from 30 acres to almost 5,400.
Officials said the fire was partially contained in 28% of the periphery that was controlled late Friday, with the evacuation order reduced to a warning.
According to the BBC’s US media partner CBS, a firefighter truck suffered major injuries as it rolled on a ridge and drove along a steel hillside on Friday night.
Despite the extreme heat and dry conditions complicating fire efforts, Ventura County said in a statement Friday night that “favorable weather conditions” allowed firefighters to “make good progress in suppressing the fire.”
On Friday night, about 400 firefighters were still fighting the flames.
Authorities say the fire remains active and is spreading eastward to Castaic in Los Angeles County.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant as temperature forecasts surge to 100°F (37.7°C) in the coming days.
In the city of Santa Clarita, closest to the fire, residents were told to stay away from areas affected by the fire.
“If you are in Santa Clarita, Hasley Canyon or Cape Walverde, take the evacuation order seriously – when the first responder says to leave, leave immediately. Please stay conscious – please don’t risk your life.”
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire, the Canyon Fire is one of several active wildfires across the state.
The Gifford Fire, the largest active fire in California, has engulfed nearly 100,000 acres and burned in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.
Wildfires are becoming more frequent in California, with experts placing climate change as a key factor. Hotter, drier conditions make the fire season longer and more destructive.
In January, a fire in Eaton tore the Altadena neighborhood north of Los Angeles, killing at least 31 people and destroying thousands of buildings.
