California is burning. Again.
Thousands evacuated
Canyon fire explodes to nearly 5,000 acres; thousands evacuated in L.A., Ventura counties
A firefighter battles the Canyon Fire in Hasley Canyon.
(Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press)
By Clara Harter and Grace Toohey
Aug. 8, 2025 Updated 8:28 AM PT
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Firefighters Friday continued battling the Canyon fire, which exploded to nearly 5,000 acres late Thursday, forcing thousands of residents in northern Los Angeles and eastern Ventura counties to evacuate.
Taking advantage of cooler temperatures overnight, crews were able to make some inroads against the fast-moving blaze both on the ground and in air, particularly with repeated water and retardant drops, Ventura County Fire Department spokesperson Andrew Dowd said Friday morning.
“We’re still expecting hot and dry conditions today,” Dowd said. “We still have record-low fuel moisture in the area, so we’re not letting our guard up.”
The Canyon fire quickly became the largest of several fires sparked during days of intense heat in Southern California, which officials have repeatedly warned can foster extreme fire growth. To the north in Santa Barbara and San Luis Opisbo counties, the much larger Gifford fire has burned 100,000 acres.
Read more at LA Times