California wildfires live updates: Thousands near LA ordered to evacuate as fast-moving Canyon fire spreads

Evacuation orders covered about 4,200 people and put another 12,500 under warnings of possible evacuations, according to the Associated Press.

“The issuance of this emergency proclamation is a crucial step in our fight against the Canyon Fire,” Supervisor Kathryn Barger said, according to ABC News. “It allows us to unlock vital state and local resources more quickly and removes barriers that could slow down our first responders. Our priority is to protect lives, homes, and critical infrastructure, and this proclamation will help ensure that we have the tools and support necessary to meet the urgent needs of our communities.”

A paper published by Finnish researchers in an American Medical Association journal, looked at the difference between expected and observed deaths in Los Angeles County as the fires were burning and found 440 excess deaths.

They attribute the excess deaths to health conditions made worse by wildfire smoke, as well as mental health issues and health interrupted by the blazes, among other factors.

Ventura County Fire Department spokesperson Andrew Dowd said the battle to get fires under control was challenging.

He told the Los Angeles Times: “We’re still expecting hot and dry conditions today. We still have record-low fuel moisture in the area, so we’re not letting our guard up.”

The Gifford Fire has burned through 99,232 acres since August 1 and was only 15 percent contained as of Friday morning.

The California wildfire has impacted San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. Three people and four firefighters have been injured.

A map provided by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection shows all current wildfires, including the Canyon and Gifford fires.

California has been fighting the Canyon Fire both on the ground and in the air as flames burn through 5,370 acres in Ventura and Los Angeles counties.

Seven helicopters have been deployed and multiple firefighting air tankers are flying fire suppression missions “as conditions allow,” according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection warned about an increased risk of wildfires as the state is under a heat wave.

Crews are currently fighting the Canyon Fire in Ventura and Los Angeles counties, and it is 25 percent contained.

Thousands of people were ordered to evacuate their homes in Southern California Thursday as a fast-moving brush fire ripped through a mountainous area north of Los Angeles.

The Canyon Fire ignited around 1:30 p.m. PST, growing to over 1,050 acres in less than three hours, according to Ventura County emergency response.

Read more from Rhian Lubin and Jaimie Ding:

Fire retardant, a red liquid deployed from planes to fight wildfires, is getting more expensive as one company holds a monopoly on the life-saving product, a New York Times investigation has found.

Perimeter Solutions, which controls the entire supply of fire retardant in the country, has upped its profits as state and federal agencies spend top dollar on the product.

The fire retardant dropped during the Los Angeles wildfires in January cost 20 to 30 percent more than it did four years ago, the NYT found in state contracts obtained through a public records request.

Jeff Emery, Perimeter’s president of global fire safety, told the NYT, “We have never opposed competition, “ adding the company offers “fair, predictable pricing.”

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has shared a message for International Cat Day: “Take a moment to make sure your pets are part of your evacuation plan.”

“Having a plan in place for your entire household—including pets—can make all the difference in case of an emergency. Pack a go-bag with food, water, medications, leashes, carriers, and comfort items BEFORE an emergency happens,” Cal Fire advises.