A rapidly spreading blaze in California is impacting communities in the Los Angeles area as thousands have been placed under evacuation orders, officials said.

The Canyon Fire in Southern California continued to grow and burn on Friday afternoon, after forcing thousands of residents across parts of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties to evacuate.

A new wildfire ignited and spread rapidly in the mountains north of Los Angeles on Thursday, forcing thousands of evacuations. According to fire officials, the Canyon Fire began around 1:30 p.m. local time near Lake Piru and has since scorched more than 4,