A fast-moving wildfire along the Ventura–Los Angeles County line has forced thousands from their homes, with extreme heat and parched conditions driving its rapid advance.

The Canyon Fire broke out on Thursday afternoon near the border of the two counties and spread with alarming speed. By Friday morning, it had grown from just 30 acres to nearly 5,000 acres, according to authorities.

More than 2,700 residents have been ordered to evacuate, while another 14,000 have been warned they may need to leave at short notice, the Ventura County Fire Department said in a statement.

Officials reported that the fire was still entirely out of control as of Friday, with containment at 0 percent.

Firefighting teams are struggling to slow the spread as temperatures climb and the air remains extremely dry. The National Weather Service expects the heat to intensify, with highs reaching 100°F (37.7°C) over the coming days.

Santa Clarita, one of the cities closest to the fire, is on high alert. Authorities there are urging residents to avoid affected areas and be ready to move quickly if ordered.

“The #CanyonFire is spreading fast under extreme heat & dry conditions near Ventura–LA County line,” LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger posted on X. “If you're in Santa Clarita, Hasley Canyon, or Val Verde, take evacuation orders seriously – when first responders say GO, leave immediately. Keep aware--please don't risk lives.”

As of Thursday evening, officials confirmed there had been no injuries or damage to homes.

The Canyon Fire is among several active wildfires across California. The largest, the Gifford Fire, has already consumed nearly 100,000 acres across San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.

Experts say such fires have become more frequent and intense due to climate change, which has created hotter and drier conditions that extend and intensify fire seasons. In January, the Eaton Fire burned through the Altadena neighbourhood north of Los Angeles, killing at least 31 people and destroying thousands of buildings.