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Weather forecast for Thursday, Aug. 7
The latest forecast and air quality conditions for the greater Los Angeles area, including beaches, valleys and desert regions.
LOS ANGELES - Firefighters are currently battling a dozen major wildfires across California, and officials warn the threat will likely grow in August and September, which are typically the most dangerous months for wildfires.
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What we know:
The fast-growing Canyon Fire broke out Thursday afternoon in Ventura County, forcing thousands to evacuate as the fire spread east into Los Angeles County.
The fire is burning just south of Lake Piru, a reservoir located in the Los Padres National Forest. That's close to Lake Castaic, a popular recreation area burned by the Hughes Fire in January. That fire burned about 15 square miles in just six hours and put 50,000 people under evacuation orders or warnings.
RELATED: Canyon Fire: Residents in LA and Ventura counties under evacuation orders
Meanwhile, in Central California, the Gifford Fire has become the state's largest fire of the year as it continues to threaten hundreds of homes and is burning out of control in the Los Padres National Forest. The Gifford Fire spread to 155 square miles by Thursday night. It grew out of at least four smaller fires that erupted Aug. 1 along State Route 166, forcing closures in both directions east of Santa Maria. At least four people are injured.
The causes of the fires are under investigation.
What they're saying:
Captain Scott Safechuck of the Santa Barbara County Fire Department stated that crews are dealing with temperatures in the mid-90s on Wednesday and over 100 degrees on Thursday.
He noted, "We have hot weather, and we have low relative humidity. So we expect extreme fire behavior."
The National Weather Service Los Angeles warned in a statement that very little rain in the southern part of the state has dried out the grass, making it "ripe to burn."
Cal Fire's wildfire forecast indicated that months of little to no rain in Southern California is "driven by persistent drought, high grass loads, and weakening coastal moisture."
Big picture view:
The wildfire threat across California will be elevated through the weekend across much of inland California as a heat wave gripping the area intensifies. August and September are usually the most dangerous months for wildfires in the state.
RELATED COVERAGE: Southern California braces for hottest weather of the summer
The Source: This report is based on information provided by official sources, including Captain Scott Safechuck of the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, the National Weather Service Los Angeles, and Cal Fire's wildfire forecast. The story also incorporates details from previous related coverage and information about the fire's location and impact.