A fast growing brush fire in a mountainous area north of Los Angeles has forced thousands of people to evacuate as firefighters are working to get it under control.
Hundreds of firefighters battled the Canyon Fire overnight after it ignited Thursday afternoon in Ventura and Los Angeles counties, as temperatures hit 100 degrees mixed with strong winds.
Officials said good progress had been made overnight as temperatures cooled, and the blaze was 28 percent contained as of Friday evening. It has so far spread to 5,370 acres, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said.
LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents the district, urged residents to evacuate.
“Extreme heat and low humidity in our north county have created dangerous conditions where flames can spread with alarming speed,” Barger said in a statement Thursday. “If first responders tell you to leave, go — without hesitation.”
The fire is burning just south of Lake Piru, a reservoir located in the Los Padres National Forest. It's close to Lake Castaic, a popular recreation area burned by the Hughes Fire in January.
Key Points
- Thousands near LA ordered to evacuate as fast-moving Canyon fire spreads
- Map shows where California wildfires are burning
- Evacuation orders to remain in place throughout the night
- Evacuation orders to remain in place throughout the night
Here is the latest forecast for the Canyon Fire
04:22 , Alex LangHere is the latest forecast for the #CanyonFire 🔥: https://t.co/4KLBvoP7Xz
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) August 8, 2025
Please continue listening to advice from local officials (including evacuations):
LA County: https://t.co/DDpSblXsB2
Ventura County: https://t.co/3IO8OQOSZj pic.twitter.com/0T1i9QoeoJ
Thousands near LA ordered to evacuate as fast-moving Canyon fire spreads
Friday 8 August 2025 20:44 , Rhian LubinThousands of people have been ordered to evacuate their homes in Southern California Thursday as a fast-moving brush fire ripped through a mountainous area north of Los Angeles.
The Canyon Fire ignited around 1:30 p.m. PST Thursday and was still burning Friday afternoon as firefighters battled the blaze overnight.
Stay with us for the latest developments.
Video shows wildfires burning across Southern California
Friday 8 August 2025 20:50 , Rachel DobkinThe #GiffordFire and #CanyonFire continue to burn across Southern California this week, seen here yesterday from @NOAA's #GOESWest satellite. Both #wildfires have prompted thousands of residents to evacuate and forced roads to close around the region. #GOES18 pic.twitter.com/xLZ7u7UMea
— NOAA Satellites (@NOAASatellites) August 8, 2025
In pictures: Firefighters battle wildfire blaze
Friday 8 August 2025 20:55 , Rachel Dobkin
Thousands of Californians have been put under evacuation orders
Friday 8 August 2025 21:00 , Rachel DobkinThe California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has warned residents of Los Angeles and Ventura County to “leave now.”
Nearly 400 personnel assigned to fight California wildfires
Friday 8 August 2025 21:10 , Rachel DobkinNearly 400 personnel have been assigned to fight the wildfires that have burned through southern California.
Equipment, including 45 fire engines, seven helicopters and three bulldozers, has also been deployed.
Additionally, there are multiple firefighting air tankers flying fire suppression missions “as conditions allow,” according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Canyon Fire is 25% contained
Friday 8 August 2025 21:13 , Rachel DobkinThe Canyon Fire in southern California is now 25 percent contained.
Fire crews still have a long way to go as they battle the flames in Ventura and Los Angeles counties.
Map shows where California wildfires are burning
Friday 8 August 2025 21:21 , Rachel DobkinA map provided by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection shows the Canyon Fire burning through 5,370 acres in Ventura and Los Angeles counties.
Gavin Newsom announces FEMA assistance in wildfire response
Friday 8 August 2025 21:31 , Rachel DobkinCalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the state secured assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to support its response to the Canyon Fire.
“Thank you to the brave men and women who are fighting the Canyon Fire and other wildfires throughout the state. This assistance will help our partners protect California communities,” Newsom said Friday.
Cal Fire advises residents with pets on International Cat Day
Friday 8 August 2025 21:40 , Rachel DobkinThe California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has shared a message for International Cat Day: “Take a moment to make sure your pets are part of your evacuation plan.”
“Having a plan in place for your entire household—including pets—can make all the difference in case of an emergency. Pack a go-bag with food, water, medications, leashes, carriers, and comfort items BEFORE an emergency happens,” Cal Fire advises.
This #InternationalCatDay, take a moment to make sure your pets are part of your evacuation plan. 🐱
— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) August 8, 2025
Having a plan in place for your entire household—including pets—can make all the difference in case of an emergency. Pack a go-bag with food, water, medications, leashes,… pic.twitter.com/X1L3L7VGUd
Fire retardant used to fight wildfires is becoming more expensive
Friday 8 August 2025 21:53 , Rachel DobkinFire retardant, a red liquid deployed from planes to fight wildfires, is getting more expensive as one company holds a monopoly on the life-saving product, a New York Times investigation has found.
Perimeter Solutions, which controls the entire supply of fire retardant in the country, has upped its profits as state and federal agencies spend top dollar on the product.
The fire retardant dropped during the Los Angeles wildfires in January cost 20 to 30 percent more than it did four years ago, the NYT found in state contracts obtained through a public records request.
Jeff Emery, Perimeter’s president of global fire safety, told the NYT, “We have never opposed competition, “ adding the company offers “fair, predictable pricing.”
Full story: Thousands forced to evacuate in Southern California as fast-moving fire spreads
Friday 8 August 2025 22:00 , Rachel DobkinThousands of people were ordered to evacuate their homes in Southern California Thursday as a fast-moving brush fire ripped through a mountainous area north of Los Angeles.
The Canyon Fire ignited around 1:30 p.m. PST, growing to over 1,050 acres in less than three hours, according to Ventura County emergency response.
Read more from Rhian Lubin and Jaimie Ding:
Thousands forced to evacuate in Southern California as fast-moving fire spreads
California under heat wave as crews fight wildfires
Friday 8 August 2025 22:12 , Rachel DobkinThe California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection warned about an increased risk of wildfires as the state is under a heat wave.
Crews are currently fighting the Canyon Fire in Ventura and Los Angeles counties, and it is 25 percent contained.
🔥 California is under a heat wave, bringing hot, dry, and windy conditions, making wildfires more likely to occur and to spread fast.
— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) August 8, 2025
When temps soar, even a tiny spark can ignite disaster. Protect yourself, your home, and your community by taking these steps:
✅ Secure trailer… pic.twitter.com/Vh0HihGooO
In pictures: California's aerial response to Canyon Fire
Friday 8 August 2025 22:20 , Rachel DobkinCalifornia has been fighting the Canyon Fire both on the ground and in the air as flames burn through 5,370 acres in Ventura and Los Angeles counties.
Seven helicopters have been deployed and multiple firefighting air tankers are flying fire suppression missions “as conditions allow,” according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Map shows all wildfires currently burning in California
Friday 8 August 2025 22:30 , Rachel DobkinA map provided by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection shows all current wildfires, including the Canyon and Gifford fires.
Gifford Fire only 15% contained
Friday 8 August 2025 22:50 , Rachel DobkinThe Gifford Fire has burned through 99,232 acres since August 1 and was only 15 percent contained as of Friday morning.
The California wildfire has impacted San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. Three people and four firefighters have been injured.
Fight to get fires under control challenging
Friday 8 August 2025 22:57 , Phil ThomasVentura County Fire Department spokesperson Andrew Dowd said the battle to get fires under control was challenging.
He told the Los Angeles Times: “We’re still expecting hot and dry conditions today. We still have record-low fuel moisture in the area, so we’re not letting our guard up.”
LA authorities examining new death toll claims from January fires
Friday 8 August 2025 23:04 , Phil ThomasThe latest blaze in Southern California comes a day after authorities said they were examining academics’ suggestion that “hundreds’ more people than previously thought may have died in the fires that swept parts of Los Angeles in January.
A paper published by Finnish researchers in an American Medical Association journal, looked at the difference between expected and observed deaths in Los Angeles County as the fires were burning and found 440 excess deaths.
They attribute the excess deaths to health conditions made worse by wildfire smoke, as well as mental health issues and health interrupted by the blazes, among other factors.
Hundreds more may have died in LA fires in January than first reported, study finds
More than 4,000 people impacted by evacuation orders
Saturday 9 August 2025 00:13 , Alex LangEvacuation orders covered about 4,200 people and put another 12,500 under warnings of possible evacuations, according to the Associated Press.
"The issuance of this emergency proclamation is a crucial step in our fight against the Canyon Fire," Supervisor Kathryn Barger said, according to ABC News. "It allows us to unlock vital state and local resources more quickly and removes barriers that could slow down our first responders. Our priority is to protect lives, homes, and critical infrastructure, and this proclamation will help ensure that we have the tools and support necessary to meet the urgent needs of our communities."
Forecasters warn of 'warm and dry conditions' in Los Angeles next week
Saturday 9 August 2025 00:31 , Rachel DobkinSummer is in full swing! 🌞 Warm and dry conditions will persist into next week. There is a moderate risk for heat related illnesses, and any fire starts could grow rapidly, as we saw with the #CanyonFire. Stay hydrated and avoid anything that could create a spark. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/Ufclsfrosw
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) August 8, 2025
Air deemed 'unhealthy' near the fire
Saturday 9 August 2025 00:57 , Alex LangThe air quality for residents near the Canyon fire has been deemed “unhealthy,” according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
A map from the agency shows the impact the air quality is having on the people who live near the fire.
The map can be found here.
In Pictures: Crew work to contain the blaze
01:33 , Alex LangFire crews made progress on the Canyon fire on Friday, containing some parts. Pictures show the efforts by firefighters to slow the wildfire.
FEMA authorizes federal money
02:23 , Alex LangThe Federal Emergency Management Agency has given the OK for federal funds to be used to help fire crews battle the blaze, according to federal officials and ABC 7.
It’s unclear how much money has been authorized for the fire.
The state submitted a request on August 7 for assistance to help get the fire under control.
Evacuation orders to remain in place throughout the night
03:05 , Alex LangDespite crews making progress on the Canyon fire on Friday, officials have said that evacuation orders will not be changed until Saturday.
“All current evacuation orders will remain in effect through Friday and will be re-evaluated Saturday morning to determine if conditions allow for lifting,” according to the Ventura County Fire Department. “Residents are strongly urged to follow official instructions, stay informed through trusted emergency channels, and evacuate immediately when directed.”
The fire is now 28 percent contained
03:55 , Alex LangThe Canyon fire reached 28 percent contained on Friday evening, according to the latest figures from CalFire.
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
Evacuation orders downgraded
04:39 , Alex Lang#CanyonFire evacuation orders have been downgraded to evacuation warnings. For the latest information, please visit https://t.co/p46PbDzAQW pic.twitter.com/FCKcTEbAf6
— Los Angeles County (@CountyofLA) August 9, 2025
Three firefighters hurt
06:13 , Alex LangThree firefighters were hurt while fighting the fire, according to Los Angeles County Fire officials. It’s unclear how they were hurt.
The three were taken to the hospital out of an “abundance of caution” and expected to fully recover.
In picture: Some of the damage from the Canyon fire
07:02 , Alex Lang
Resident relieved that their home is spared
08:56 , Alex LangSeveral residents expressed relief that the fire didn’t reach their homes as crews started to make progress in fighting the wildfire.
"It's been a long night just watching the fire," Castaic resident Geri Aebersold told ABC 7. "Just watching it coming up right there on that hill. A firefighter said, 'You're OK. We got this.'"
Massive response works to control wildfire
09:43 , Alex LangThere are currently seven helicopters, 45 engines, three dozers and 391 firefighters working the Canyon blaze.
The fire began Thursday and has led to a massive response as crews work to bring it under control.
It has now reached 28 percent containment.
Cause of the fire remains undetermined
12:27 , Alex LangAs firefighters work to contain the Canyon fire, the cause remains undetermined.
Officials have yet to say how the fire began, but it has spread to more than 5,000 acres.
Crews made progress on Friday and some of the evacuation orders were downgraded.
"As you return home, you may see smoke or fire due to unburned pockets of fuel within the fire's perimeter," the Riverside County Fire Department said. "The fire continues to hold within the established containment lines."
Smoke from California wildfires will persist through Sunday
13:54 , Alex LangSmelling or seeing smoke? You're not alone! The #GiffordFire and #CanyonFire 🔥 have been creating lots of smoke that has been moving across the region, impacting air quality in many areas. Here is a smoke projection through early Sunday. #CAwx #LAWeather pic.twitter.com/noVecI4yxE
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) August 9, 2025
