Evacuations have been mandated for communities situated near a rapidly spreading wildfire in a canyon region of Southern California, coinciding with a significant heat wave. The wildfire, referred to as the ‘Canyon fire’, ignited close to Piru, a small historic town in eastern Ventura County. According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), the fire expanded swiftly to over 1,000 acres within hours, with no containment reported as of August 7. In just six hours, the fire consumed approximately 15 square miles and prompted evacuation orders or warnings for 50,000 residents.
Local authorities have issued several evacuation orders and warnings for various communities in Ventura and Los Angeles counties that are in proximity to the fire. The blaze is currently raging just south of Lake Piru, a reservoir located within the Los Padres National Forest. It is also near Lake Castaic, a well-known recreational area that was affected by the ‘Hughes Fire’ in January. The risk of wildfires is expected to remain high throughout the weekend across much of inland California as the ongoing heat wave intensifies. Historically, August and September are the most perilous months for wildfires in the state.
