Topline
Evacuation orders across Los Angeles and Ventura counties were lifted as first responders improved containment of the blaze, according to California officials on Saturday who warned dry weather could contribute to “rapid” fire growth over the weekend.
California officials warned of hot, dry weather that could contribute to “rapid” fire growth and “significant fire behavior.”
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Key Facts
The Canyon Fire was held overnight to 5,370 acres as of Saturday afternoon, as containment increased from 25% to 28%, according to Cal Fire.
The agency said overnight fire activity was “minimal” as firefighters strengthened existing control lines, though they noted hot and dry weather is expected to continue in the region, as “historically dry” vegetation contributes to the possibility of “rapid fire growth and significant fire behavior.”
Earlier evacuation orders in seven zones in Los Angeles County—including the neighborhoods of Val Verde, Halsey Canyon and Castaic—were downgraded to evacuation warnings, joining eight other zones under similar alerts.
In Ventura County, evacuation orders were downgraded in the Lake Piru Recreation Area, East of Piru Canyon Road, East of the Community of Piru and East of Center Street and Highway 126.
Big Number
4,200. That’s the total number of residents who were under evacuation orders in Los Angeles County due to the Canyon Fire, a Venture County Fire Department spokesperson told the Associated Press. The orders cover around 1,400 buildings and structures across the county. An additional 12,500 residents remained under an evacuation warning.
Crucial Quote
Earlier on Thursday, after the fire broke out, LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger wrote on X: “The Canyon Fire is spreading fast under extreme heat & dry conditions near Ventura–LA County line. If you’re in Santa Clarita, Hasley Canyon, or Val Verde, take evacuation orders seriously—when first responders say GO, leave immediately. Keep aware—please don’t risk lives.”
What Other Wildfires Are Burning In California?
The Canyon Fire is one of several large wildfires burning through California right now. The largest of these is the Gifford Fire, which has burnt through 111,557 acres across San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, making it the state’s largest fire of the year so far. As of late Saturday afternoon it remained only 21% contained, as evacuation orders were issued for Santa Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.
Key Background
Wildfire risk remains elevated across California as the state battles an extreme heatwave. Earlier this week the National Weather Service’s Los Angeles office warned that “Plants/fuels are very dry and ripe to burn,” as it urged people to “be very careful with anything that could start a fire.” On Thursday, the NWS San Diego office reported multiple new record high temperature for August 7, with the mercury reaching as high as 119 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas. In January, California witnessed one of its deadliest set of wildfires ever, the biggest of which were the Palisades and Eaton Fires. The fires covered more than 50,000 acres and killed at least 31 people.
Firefighters battle flames from the Canyon Fire in Castaic, California.
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A resident walks along Hasley Canyon Road as the Canyon Fire burns on Thursday.
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
The Canyon Fire burns on Thursday in Hasley Canyon.
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
A resident rides a golf cart as he exits his property while the Canyon Fire burns on.
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Further Reading
Fast-moving Canyon fire burns nearly 5,000 acres, spurs evacuations in Ventura and L.A. counties (Los Angeles Times)
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