Canyon Fire Grows to 5,000 Acres, Forcing Mass Evacuations in L.A. and Ventura Counties
August 8, 2025 – Southern California — A fast-moving wildfire dubbed the Canyon Fire has exploded in size, scorching nearly 5,000 acres as of Thursday evening and prompting the evacuation of thousands of residents across Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
Driven by dry brush, high heat, and gusty winds, the blaze erupted late Wednesday afternoon in the foothills near the Santa Monica Mountains. Within hours, it leapt fire lines and advanced rapidly toward residential neighborhoods, catching many off guard.
“The speed of this fire is unlike anything we’ve seen this season,” said L.A. County Fire Chief Anthony Marrero during a Thursday press briefing. “We’re urging everyone in the evacuation zones to leave immediately — this is a very dangerous situation.”
Evacuation Orders and Road Closures
Authorities issued mandatory evacuation orders for parts of Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Thousand Oaks, and unincorporated areas of Ventura County, affecting more than 12,000 residents.
Evacuation centers have been opened at:
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Agoura High School
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Thousand Oaks Community Center
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Calabasas Senior Center
The 101 Freeway remains open but heavily congested, with some off-ramps closed near affected zones. Portions of Mulholland Highway and Kanan Road have been shut down due to heavy smoke and falling embers.
Firefighting Efforts Underway
More than 600 firefighters, along with air tankers and water-dropping helicopters, are battling the blaze on the ground and from the air. Officials say containment is currently at 0%, with priority efforts focused on saving lives and protecting homes.
“We’re working around the clock,” said Ventura County Fire spokesperson Elena Ruiz, “but the terrain is steep and wind conditions are shifting. It’s an aggressive fire.”
So far, at least six structures have been confirmed damaged, and officials warn that number may rise.
Extreme Weather Conditions
The fire is being fueled by triple-digit temperatures and low humidity, part of a broader heatwave affecting much of Southern California. Winds reached 30–40 mph overnight, creating erratic fire behavior and complicating suppression efforts.
A Red Flag Warning remains in effect through Friday, with the National Weather Service urging residents to stay alert and ready to evacuate on short notice.
Officials Warn of Ongoing Risk
Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the situation and the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) has deployed additional resources. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but early reports suggest it may have started near a utility corridor.
“Lives and livelihoods are at stake,” said Newsom in a statement. “We are mobilizing all available state resources to support local efforts and keep Californians safe.”
How to Stay Informed
Residents are urged to monitor:
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Cal Fire’s official website
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Local news alerts
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Emergency apps like Ready Ventura County and Alert LA County
A 24-hour emergency hotline has been set up at 1-800-RED-FIRE for evacuation questions and shelter information.
Looking Ahead
Officials say fire crews are bracing for another difficult night, with temperatures expected to remain high and no significant moisture in the forecast. While no fatalities or serious injuries have been reported, officials stress that the situation remains fluid.
“If you’re being told to leave, don’t wait,” Chief Marrero emphasized. “The fire is moving faster than you think.”
Destruction and Damage Reports Mount
As of Friday morning, the Canyon Fire has damaged or destroyed at least 24 structures, including homes, outbuildings, and several ranch properties in the Santa Monica Mountains. Officials say many of the damaged structures were located in rural canyons and hillside communities, where narrow roads and thick vegetation made firefighting efforts particularly difficult.
“I watched it jump from one ridge to the next in a matter of minutes,” said Jenny Delgado, a resident of Malibu Canyon who evacuated with her two children and dogs. “We grabbed what we could and ran. I don’t know if my home is still standing.”
Several firefighters have suffered from heat exhaustion, though no major injuries or fatalities have been reported.
Community Rallies Amid Crisis
As flames spread, local communities have quickly mobilized support for evacuees. Volunteers have been delivering water, masks, and pet supplies to shelters. Local businesses in Calabasas and Agoura Hills are offering free meals and temporary lodging for those displaced.
“This community is strong,” said Calabasas Mayor Ella Rios. “We’ve been through fires before, and we know how to come together.”
In Ventura County, ranchers and equestrian centers have opened their facilities to house evacuated livestock, including over 100 horses rescued from affected areas.
Environmental Concerns and Air Quality
Thick smoke has blanketed parts of the San Fernando Valley and Conejo Valley, triggering unhealthy air quality alerts. Officials are advising residents, particularly seniors, children, and people with respiratory conditions, to stay indoors with air filters running.
“The smoke is likely to linger through the weekend,” said Dr. Monica Lin, a meteorologist with the South Coast AQMD. “Even areas miles from the fire are seeing reduced air quality.”
Investigation and Preventive Measures
Investigators from Cal Fire and utility inspectors are examining reports of electrical activity near the fire’s point of origin. Residents in nearby areas reported hearing a loud “pop” shortly before the blaze erupted — raising concerns about downed power lines or equipment failure as a possible cause.
In the wake of the fire, state and local officials are once again debating the balance between utility accountability and wildfire prevention, especially as peak fire season begins.
“This may be a wake-up call,” said State Senator Laura Gomez (D-Ventura). “We need faster vegetation management, stronger infrastructure, and real-time alerts before these fires become catastrophes.”
What Happens Next
Firefighters are expected to make significant progress in the next 48 hours, if winds die down. Weather forecasts offer slight relief, with cooler marine air potentially moving in from the coast over the weekend. Still, containment remains uncertain.
“The next two days are critical,” said Chief Marrero. “If conditions shift in our favor, we can start getting ahead of it. Until then, we’re asking for patience and vigilance.”
Residents can continue to monitor updates via:
Cal Fire (www.fire.ca.gov)
Alert LA County and VC Emergency mobile apps
Local emergency broadcast stations and city websites
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