The rapid spread of fire drives thousands of evacuations to California

The fierce fire to the northwest of Los Angeles prompted the evacuation orders for thousands of residents on Friday, as extreme heat and dry conditions nourish its rapid spread.

The blaze, called the canyon fire, lit on Thursday afternoon along the border of Ventura and Los Angeles districts. By Friday night it expanded from 30 acres to almost 5,400.

The fire is partially contained, with 28% of its perimeter being controlled at the end of Friday, staff and evacuation orders were reduced to warnings.

On Friday night, a firefighter suffered major injuries when their truck was rolling on the ridge and down a steel hill, CBS, the US media partner said.

While extreme heat and dry conditions complicated the efforts of the fire department, on Friday night, Ventura County said in a statement that “favorable meteorological conditions” have allowed firefighters to make “good progress in flame suppression.”

There were still about 400 firefighters fighting the flames on Friday night.

The fire remains active and spreads east to Castaik in Los Angeles County, authorities said.

With the temperature forecast, rise to 100 ° F (37.7 ° C) in the coming days, residents are urged to remain on the alert.

In the town of Santa Clarita, one of the closest to the explosion, the residents were told to stay away from the areas affected by fire.

“If you are in Santa Clarita, Hasley Canyon or Val Verde, take evacuation orders seriously – when the first answers say, go, immediately. Have a know – please do not risk life,” wrote LA Catherine Barger’s supervisor on X on Friday.

The canyon fire is one of several active fires in the state, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Fire (Cal Fire).

Giford’s fire, the largest active flame in California, has absorbed almost 100,000 acres and forests in the cities of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara.

Wild fires have become more common in California, with experts citing climate change as a key factor. The hot, more dry conditions made the fire seasons longer and more destructive.

In January this year, Ethan’s fire torn through the Altadan neighborhood, north of Los Angeles, killing at least 31 people and destroying thousands of structures.