Crews made progress Friday establishing containment lines around the Canyon Fire straddling the Los Angeles-Ventura county line near Val Verde west of Castaic, but the blaze continued to grow in size, topping 5,300 acres.<\/p>\n
The Canyon Fire was estimated at 5,370 acres as of early Friday afternoon, according to Cal Fire. But containment of the blaze jumped from 0% overnight to 25%.<\/p>\n
About 400 firefighters from the Los Angeles and Ventura County fire departments were attacking the blaze with assistance from Angeles National Forest and Cal Fire. They maintained the fight amid soaring temperatures that stayed below triple digits, slightly cooler than Thursday. But some gusty winds were anticipated Friday afternoon.<\/p>\n
“Today, firefighters are making good progress in suppressing the blaze, aided by favorable weather conditions and the continued use of firefighting aircraft making repeated water and retardant drops to slow the fire’s advance and support crews on the ground,” according to a dispatch issued by the Ventura County Fire Department at 1:12 p.m. Friday. “The fire remains active as it spreads east toward the community of Castaic in Los Angeles County.”<\/p>\n
\nA woman in a Castaic neighborhood spoke with KNX News’ Jon Baird about what it’s like seeing the Canyon Fire from her home. pic.twitter.com\/dqkOjrlllW<\/a><\/p>\n
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Los Angeles County Fire Department officials said helicopter crews made water drops on the fire through the night Thursday into Friday, taking advantage of diminished winds. The strategy proved effective, helping to jump- start containment efforts.<\/p>\n
The fire moved fast after erupting near Lake Piru in Ventura County, then spreading into Los Angeles County, prompting evacuation orders in the Val Verde area.<\/p>\n
“All current evacuation orders will remain in effect through Friday and will be re-evaluated Saturday morning to determine if conditions allow for lifting,” according to a Ventura County Fire Department statement. “Residents are strongly urged to follow official instructions, stay informed through trusted emergency channels, and evacuate immediately when directed.”<\/p>\n
The fire broke out about 1:30 p.m. Thursday, and quickly went to a second alarm as it burned in a remote area east of Lake Piru. The flames spread rapidly through the brush. Initially estimated at about 30 acres, within two hours, the fire had burned through 1,051 acres of brush. By late Thursday its size neared 5,000 acres.<\/p>\n
With the fire advancing, evacuation warnings were issued in the Val Verde area. That warning was later elevated to an evacuation order and expanded to include the Hasley Canyon and other areas, while additional neighborhoods were placed under additional warnings.<\/p>\n
Some evacuation orders were later downgraded to warnings.<\/p>\n
One structure has been reported destroyed, but no residences have burned and no injuries have been reported.<\/p>\n
There was no immediate word on the cause of the fire.<\/p>\n
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents the area and chairs the Board of Supervisors, issued a local emergency proclamation Thursday afternoon in response to the fire aimed at ensuring all resources are made available to fight the blaze.<\/p>\n
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Barger also urged residents in the area to heed evacuation orders.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
She also said refusing to evacuate complicates the work of firefighters, who must then concentrate efforts on preserving lives instead of property.<\/p>\n
Gov. Gavin Newsom said Friday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant that will reimburse a large share of local agencies’ firefighting costs.<\/p>\n
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