Canyon Fire Resolution: Lifting of Evacuation Orders Following Subdued Night-time Operations
In the current wildfire season, California is facing two significant blazes - the Canyon Fire in Los Angeles County and the Gifford Fire, the largest active fire in the state in 2025.
The Gifford Fire, burning across San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties, has scorched approximately 132,605 acres as of August 16, 2025. The fire, which started on August 1, remains only 33% to 73% contained, depending on the latest report. With over 4,800 firefighters, hundreds of engines and aircraft, and numerous crews and dozers deployed, the fire continues to pose a substantial threat. It has destroyed 3 to 4 structures, injured several civilians and firefighters, and threatens over 800 structures.
Evacuation warnings and forest closures are in effect around the fire area. Santa Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties have issued evacuation orders due to the Gifford Fire.
Outside the Gifford Fire, the Canyon Fire, which has been held to 5,370 acres, is the next major concern. The fire, located in Val Verde, Halsey Canyon, and Castaic neighborhoods, has seen minimal overnight activity. Containment of the Canyon Fire has increased from 25% to 28%.
Historically dry vegetation in the region could lead to significant fire behavior, and dry weather is expected to continue, which could contribute to "rapid" fire growth. The National Weather Service's Los Angeles office has warned that plants and fuels are very dry and ripe to burn.
In January, California witnessed one of its deadliest sets of wildfires ever, with the Palisades and Eaton Fires covering more than 50,000 acres and killing at least 31 people.
LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger wrote a warning about the Canyon Fire on a specified date. Aside from these fires, the Madre Fire in San Luis Obispo (over 80,000 acres in July) and the Grand Canyon fire in Arizona are not currently active or as significant as the Gifford Fire.
A total of 4,200 residents were under evacuation orders in Los Angeles County due to the Canyon Fire. Evacuation orders in seven zones in Los Angeles County have been downgraded to evacuation warnings. Similarly, evacuation orders 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 have been downgraded in Ventura County.
The extreme heatwave has elevated wildfire risk across California. The NWS San Diego office reported multiple new record high temperatures for August 7. Despite the challenges, California's firefighters are working tirelessly to contain these fires and protect communities.
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Amidst the ongoing California wildfires, the Canyon Fire in Southern California's Los Angeles County remains a significant concern. The dry weather is expected to contribute to its potential rapid growth, as stated by the National Weather Service's Los Angeles office, making weather a vital factor. Furthermore, due to the Canyon Fire, 4,200 residents in Los Angeles County have been evacuated, and seven zones in the county have had evacuation orders downgraded to evacuation warnings.
