Canyon fire in Los Angeles spreads to 5,370 acres

The Canyon fire affecting Los Angeles and Ventura Counties in California is up to 5,370 acres, with 25% of the blaze contained, state fire prevention officials said Friday.

The fire began Thursday afternoon north of California State Route 126 in Ventura County, initially affecting only 30 acres. High heat and dry conditions in the area helped the blaze grow to thousands of acres in size, the Los Angeles County Fire Department said in a release.

About 2,700 people evacuated with 700 structures and buildings under an evacuation order in Los Angeles County, according to The Associated Press. The evacuation zone in Ventura County is less populated, with about 56 people evacuated from the Lake Piru recreation area.

As of 1 p.m. local time Friday, the fire was burning its way eastward, threatening power lines and the communities of Hathaway Ranch and Halsey Canyon. No injuries to firefighters or civilians were reported.

“We still have record-low fuel moisture in the area, so we’re not letting our guard up,” Ventura County Fire Department spokesperson Andrew Dowd said, according to the Los Angeles Times.