As firefighters battle the fierce Canyon Fire, mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for over 2,700 residents, with an additional 14,000 on alert in communities straddling the Ventura and Los Angeles county line. The blaze erupted late Thursday and surged from 30 acres to nearly 5,000 by Friday morning, exacerbated by extreme heat and arid conditions that have hindered firefighting efforts.
Despite the danger, the LA County Fire Department reported no injuries or significant property damage as of Thursday evening, but officials stressed the urgency of evacuation. LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger emphasized the need for immediate action in her urgent call to residents on social media.
The National Weather Service has forecasted temperatures to reach an alarming 100°F (37.7°C) in the days ahead, further complicating firefighting efforts. The city of Santa Clarita is particularly on high alert, and local authorities have advised residents to steer clear of the affected areas.
The Canyon Fire is one of several raging across California, with the Gifford Fire, the state's largest, burning close to 100,000 acres in the San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. Experts attribute the increasing frequency of wildfires in the state to climate change, as hotter and drier conditions prolong and intensify fire seasons.
Earlier this year, the Eaton Fire devastated Altadena, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 31 lives and the destruction of numerous structures. Studies indicate that wildfires in Los Angeles County have also contributed to over 400 indirect deaths, revealing the vast and long-term impact of these natural disasters.
Despite the danger, the LA County Fire Department reported no injuries or significant property damage as of Thursday evening, but officials stressed the urgency of evacuation. LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger emphasized the need for immediate action in her urgent call to residents on social media.
The National Weather Service has forecasted temperatures to reach an alarming 100°F (37.7°C) in the days ahead, further complicating firefighting efforts. The city of Santa Clarita is particularly on high alert, and local authorities have advised residents to steer clear of the affected areas.
The Canyon Fire is one of several raging across California, with the Gifford Fire, the state's largest, burning close to 100,000 acres in the San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. Experts attribute the increasing frequency of wildfires in the state to climate change, as hotter and drier conditions prolong and intensify fire seasons.
Earlier this year, the Eaton Fire devastated Altadena, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 31 lives and the destruction of numerous structures. Studies indicate that wildfires in Los Angeles County have also contributed to over 400 indirect deaths, revealing the vast and long-term impact of these natural disasters.
