Canyon Fire Explodes To About 5K Acres, LA County Residents Ordered To Evacuate

PIRU, CA — A brush fire that broke out near Lake Piru on the Ventura-Los Angeles county line shortly after 2 p.m. Thursday exploded to about 5,000 acres within eight hours, prompting evacuation orders in both counties.

The Canyon Fire broke out in a remote, mountainous area east of Lake Piru. It was estimated at around 30 acres. By 10 p.m. it was mapped at 4,856 acres.

The fire, which was burning in an area west of the 5 Freeway and Santa Clarita, prompted evacuation orders in more populated areas including Castaic.

SEE ALSO: Castaic Fire Map: See Canyon Fire Perimeter, Evacuation Orders

Additional areas in Ventura and Los Angeles counties were under evacuation warnings.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents the area, urged people to heed evacuation orders.

"The Eaton Fire showed us how quickly devastation can strike," she said. "It is never worth risking your life, the lives of your loved ones and pets, or the safety of those working to protect you. Your safety is my top priority, and swift action saves lives."

Crews from both counties, along with the Angeles National Forest, battled the blaze.

The fire broke out amid temperatures nearing 100 degrees and humidity as low as 15%, according to the National Weather Service.

"The fire is burning east with a rapid rate of spread in light to medium fuels. The onshore push is influencing fire behavior and the fire is threatening 60kv powerlines as well as the communities of Halsley Canyon and Hatthaway Ranch but is moving away from the community of Piru," Cal Fire wrote.

City News Service contributed to this report.