Expanding fire engulfs approximately 20 square kilometers in the northwestern region of Los Angeles, now referred to as the "Canyon Fire".
As of Friday evening (August 8, 2025), the Canyon Fire, a wildfire that started northwest of Los Angeles, California, continues to burn with multiple evacuation orders and warnings in effect in both Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
The fire has grown rapidly, covering just under 5,000 acres in a few days. Evacuation orders are still in place for various zones, including Lake Piru and communities near Val Verde, while evacuation warnings are also in place for several surrounding areas. Firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the blaze, with significant resources deployed, including engines, helicopters, dozers, hand crews, and nearly 400 personnel.
Andrew Dowd, spokesman for the Ventura County Fire Department, expressed optimism that progress could be made overnight on Friday. However, Kathryn Barger from the Los Angeles County administration urged residents of nearby communities to take evacuation orders seriously. Barger compared the potential danger of the Canyon Fire to the deadly fires in the Los Angeles area in the past, specifically the "Eaton" and "Palisades" fires, which had required the fire department's deployment for weeks to contain.
The Canyon Fire has grown to approximately 20 square kilometers, equivalent to about 2,800 soccer fields. The cause of the fire is still unknown.
As of Friday evening, approximately 4,000 people have been evacuated due to the Canyon Fire, and another 12,000 residents have been advised to prepare for evacuation. By Sunday evening (August 10), the fire reached 78% containment, indicating substantial progress in controlling the blaze, and some evacuation orders were lifted. However, as of Friday evening, the evacuation advisories remain active due to the fire’s continued spread.
Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay informed and follow evacuation orders and advisories from local authorities. Firefighters continue their efforts to contain the Canyon Fire, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
[1] Los Angeles Times. (2025, August 8). Canyon Fire: What we know about the wildfire burning in Ventura County. Retrieved from https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-08-08/canyon-fire-ventura-county-wildfire
[2] NBC Los Angeles. (2025, August 8). Canyon Fire: Thousands Evacuated as Wildfire Burns in Ventura County. Retrieved from https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/canyon-fire-ventura-county-wildfire-evacuations/2819023/
[3] KTLA. (2025, August 8). Canyon Fire: Wildfire forces evacuations in Ventura County. Retrieved from https://ktla.com/news/local-news/canyon-fire-wildfire-forces-evacuations-in-ventura-county/
[4] CBS Los Angeles. (2025, August 10). Canyon Fire Update: Evacuation Orders Lifted, Containment Increases. Retrieved from https://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2025/08/10/canyon-fire-update-evacuation-orders-lifted-containment-increases/
[1] Amid the escalating Canyon Fire, the concern about the impact on California's environment and climate-change grows, as the burning wildfire in Ventura County continues to threatening Los Angeles.
[2] With the blaze consuming a square mile each day, the urgency to understand the scientific factors contributing to such a rapid spread in environmental-science is crucial for possible countermeasures against future wildfires.
