It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Historic Piru Train Bridge gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Piru, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I have partnered with Tom in Thousand Oaks for a couple years now, I can”
“Caring and sensitive. David is so focused on helping families. He is such an asset”
“Always Best Care has been helping my 94 year old Mother very much! The Caregivers”
“Been with the company for approximately like 6 months ,love it , great supervisors n”
“I’ve worked with a few agencies and my experience with Always Best Care has been”
“I've worked with ABC for over a year now. I've worked for other organizations”
“I am a past client of this provider Nisa was a great friend to my father and”
“I am a past client of this provider Nisa is the best. Upbeat, knows what she’s”
“After researching several Home Health Care companies in my area, I choose Always Best Care”
“First let me say that this review was not solicited by any one at Always”
“I am making this post on the behalf of my mother in law who does”
“I am making this post on the behalf of my mother in law who does”
“I am a current client of this provider We are with Always Best Care. We have”
“Tom and his team of caregivers do a great job. I highly recommend Always”
“I’m a registered nurse and having Erin help me with this process was seamless. She”
“I've been with the company a lil over 3months maybe longer and love the respect”
“This is the finest company in home care, I would highly recommend it for your”
“Stellar service and care! Highly recommend!”
“This is truly a team you can trust to take care of your loved one.”
“I have partnered with Tom in Thousand Oaks for a couple years now, I can attest that he strives to provide the best quality care for his clients and a positive work environment for his employees. Great agency! Highly recommend!”
“Caring and sensitive. David is so focused on helping families. He is such an asset to our hospital. Families don't know where to start and David gets the ball rolling and smooths the way. What a blessing to these families.”
“Always Best Care has been helping my 94 year old Mother very much! The Caregivers are wonderful and helpful and willing to go the extra mile. I am so happy to have their team a part of our lives! Thank you!”
“Been with the company for approximately like 6 months ,love it , great supervisors n boss , overall great company for work for , great communication from supervisors ,n always a pleasure to work with wonderful clients”
“I’ve worked with a few agencies and my experience with Always Best Care has been phenomenal. The professionalism.and respect they show to us caregivers makes me feel appreciated as well as giving me opportunity to learn and grow in my services I provide to my clients with the workshops they provide every month.”
“I've worked with ABC for over a year now. I've worked for other organizations that provide senior care services but the Always Best Care Thousand Oaks location has been a wonderful place to work. The working relationship between staff, client and ownership/management is that it's important for us all to be happy. I've been placed with so many wonderful people that I can say are not only my clients but also my friends. They really try to provide the right client with the right caregiver and with me it has been a wonderful experience and a great place to work.”
“I am a past client of this provider Nisa was a great friend to my father and treated him like family. It was reassuring to us to know he was looked after by a loving and caring person. She was always available to us and she was able to adjust her schedule to his needs. Nisa allowed my father to stay in his home longer and provided him new freedom he had not had previously.”
“I am a past client of this provider Nisa is the best. Upbeat, knows what she’s doing, was great with my mom. We all felt very comfortable when she was caring for mom.”
“After researching several Home Health Care companies in my area, I choose Always Best Care and was extremely pleased with the decision I made. Always Best Care checked every box on my list and was the absolute best choice for my post-surgery needs. Start to finish, the entire organization was professional, responsive, and provided the services I was in need of. Caregivers were exceptional in responding to my needs in addition to providing warm companionship that aided in a worry free recovery. Always Best Care delivered as promised and I highly recommend them for Home Health Care needs. MMD”
“First let me say that this review was not solicited by any one at Always Best Care Senior Services. The services provided by Always Best are both personal and professional. All of my calls were always answered by Tom ( the owner). Never was I left to wonder if I was going to get assistance for my mother and her significant other. From the top down I found everyone to be patient, kind, attentive, accessible, problem solvers, with an “I can get it done” attitude. The services provided by Always Best, required end of life care. The care givers worked seamlessly with Hospice. Every step of the way I could see both my mother and the patient were lovingly cared for. I look forward to using this agency as needed for my mother. Thank you, Tom and all of your care angels!”
“I am making this post on the behalf of my mother in law who does not currently have a Gmail account. Always Best Care has been a true blessing with providing a wonderful caregiver who is kind, patient and supportive with my 95 year old mother's needs which include a downward cognitive slide. My mom enjoys the support and care too. I've heard horror stories about such services, but have been beyond pleased with Tom and his caregiving agency. Lori Robinson- Ventura County”
“I am making this post on the behalf of my mother in law who does not currently have a Gmail account. Always Best Care has been a true blessing with providing a wonderful caregiver who is kind, patient and supportive with my 95 year old mother's needs which include a downward cognitive slide. My mom enjoys the support and care too. I've heard horror stories about such services, but have been beyond pleased with Tom and his caregiving agency. Lori Robinson- Ventura County”
“I am a current client of this provider We are with Always Best Care. We have been with them for two weeks now. They were great, and we have had a good experience so far. The caregiver is great. She has been like a lifeline for us; she has been nice. The scheduling has been fine, and everything has been working great.”
“Tom and his team of caregivers do a great job. I highly recommend Always Best Care of Thousand Oaks.”
“I’m a registered nurse and having Erin help me with this process was seamless. She is comforting, empathetic, and very knowledgeable. Thanks again Erin! Natalie Schauwecker, RN”
“I've been with the company a lil over 3months maybe longer and love the respect they give us caregivers and employees. We are a team as they say welcome to the team and it truly is a team more like a family here. They take our schedules and work with us and don't pay us low as all other places. You get what you pay for. I've worked for Disneyland Resorts and this is much like the atmosphere there very friendly and non judgemental and truly caring understanding team. Tom the owner is one of us he doesn't put himself above us neither does Erin. They are both friendly. Moving up in the company is possible as i have already and my kids are much happier because mommy actually loves her job. No one is paying me to write this i don't do reviews typically because the time it takes but i believe in our team amd if you want great care and affordable care please try us for a week and I personally guarantee you, you'll be the next to write a review.”
“This is the finest company in home care, I would highly recommend it for your family!”
“Stellar service and care! Highly recommend!”
“This is truly a team you can trust to take care of your loved one. It is obvious, Tom and his team have a passion for the work they do. They are so patient and kind and treated us and our loved one like one of their own members of the family. We are forever grateful.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Britt Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Nikki’s Casamia Restaurant & Catering or visit Piru Mountain View Hotel (Home Of Ramona) Ventura County Landmark #124, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Piru, CA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Piru, CA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Piru, CA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
PIRU, Calif. (KABC) -- A large brush fire that erupted near Lake Piru in Ventura County and spread into Los Angeles County continues to burn, though crews are making significant progress in containment.The Canyon Fire erupted on August 7 in a remote area east of Lake Piru, spreading rapidly through the brush amid a heat wave for much of Southern California.As of Monday, the blaze scorched 5,370 acres with 91% containment, according to the Ventura County Fire Department.All evacuation orders and warnings have been lifted....
PIRU, Calif. (KABC) -- A large brush fire that erupted near Lake Piru in Ventura County and spread into Los Angeles County continues to burn, though crews are making significant progress in containment.
The Canyon Fire erupted on August 7 in a remote area east of Lake Piru, spreading rapidly through the brush amid a heat wave for much of Southern California.
As of Monday, the blaze scorched 5,370 acres with 91% containment, according to the Ventura County Fire Department.
All evacuation orders and warnings have been lifted.
Cal Fire's map of the Canyon Fire near Lake Piru in Ventura County and Los Angeles County shows the current evacuation zones.
All evacuation orders and warnings related to the Canyon Fire have been lifted as firefighters continue gaining more control of the blaze.
The fire, which started last Thursday east of Lake Piru and spread into Los Angeles County, is 91% contained as of Monday, according to the Ventura County Fire Department. It has scorched 5,370 acres.
Crews are using infrared mapping to find any hot spot areas and prevent flare-ups.
The 5,370-acre Canyon Fire burning near Lake Piru in Ventura County and Los Angeles County is now 47% contained, according to Cal Fire.
All evacuation orders and warnings have been lifted, and the Red Cross wildfire shelter at College of the Canyons has closed.
? CANYON FIRE SHELTER UPDATE? The Red Cross wildfire shelter at College of the Canyons has closed. If you need a safe place to stay, please call (800) 675-5799.Thank you to everyone who supported our response ♥? #CanyonFire pic.twitter.com/tDC5Osxk78
— Red Cross Los Angeles (@RedCrossLA) August 9, 2025
Crews worked throughout the night to improve defensive positions and further secure the fire's perimeter. Overnight fire activity was minimal as firefighters worked to continue strengthening existing control lines, Cal Fire said.
Weather on Saturday continued to be hot and dry with temperatures in the mid-90s, with relative humidity in the 19-24% range and winds gusting up to 20 mph along ridge tops. Historically, dry vegetation contributes to the ongoing potential for rapid fire growth and significant fire behavior.
All previous evacuation orders in the 5,370-acre Canyon Fire were moved to evacuation warnings in both Los Angeles and Ventura County. All previous evacuation warnings in both areas were removed.
As of 7 AM today, all #CanyonFire evacuation warnings in LA County have been lifted. For the latest information, please visit https://t.co/p46PbDzAQW pic.twitter.com/Men8jJt51A
— Los Angeles County (@CountyofLA) August 9, 2025
A brush fire started on a sweltering day east of Lake Piru in Ventura County and led to evacuations as this week's warm temperatures in Southern California reached their peak.The Canyon Fire was estimated at about 50 acres early Thursday afternoon before quickly spreading to more than 4,800 acres as it burned away from the community of Piru and in the direction of a few scattered ranch homes. The fire started north of Highway 126 east of the Los Angeles County line and continued to expand Friday morning.The fire crossed into Lo...
A brush fire started on a sweltering day east of Lake Piru in Ventura County and led to evacuations as this week's warm temperatures in Southern California reached their peak.
The Canyon Fire was estimated at about 50 acres early Thursday afternoon before quickly spreading to more than 4,800 acres as it burned away from the community of Piru and in the direction of a few scattered ranch homes. The fire started north of Highway 126 east of the Los Angeles County line and continued to expand Friday morning.
The fire crossed into Los Angeles County, prompting evacuation orders for the Castaic area.
Evacuations were ordered for the Lake Piru Recreation Area and parts of the surrounding area. An evacuation warning was issued for the few ranches in the extreme west end of Holser Canyon.
At least 4,200 residents were under mandatory evacuation orders across LA and Ventura counties, according to the LA County Fire Department.
Water-dropping aircraft, including an airtanker, responded to the location, where temperatures neared triple digits with low humidity and winds gusting to 25 mph. Firefighters were using Lake Piru, a reservoir located in Los Padres National Forest northwest of Los Angeles, to refill firefighting aircraft.
Details about a cause were not immediately available.
The wildfire was one of at least four burning Thursday in Southern California.
More than 4,400 wildfires have been reported this year in California, up from 3,800 at this time last year. More than 221,100 acres have burned this year, well beyond the 83,200 acres through July 2024. The five-year average for that time is 4,100 fires and 125,700 acres burned.
Nationwide in 2025, 42,342 wildfires have burned over 3.4 million acres, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. At the start of August, firefighters are working to suppress 36 large fires, including several in California.
An evacuation shelter was established at College of the Canyons at the school's East Gymnasium in Santa Clarita.
Large animals can be evacuated to Pierce College in Woodland Hills, while smaller animals can be evacuated to the Castaic Animal Care Center and Agoura Hills Animal Shelter.
UPDATED with the latest: Firefighters are making progress in their battle against the Canyon Fire north of Los Angeles.The fire, which broke out Thursday afternoon near Lake Piru, is now 25% contained, thanks to overnight water drops which kept the flames at bay, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.The fire has burned 5,370 acres. One structure has been reported destroyed, but no residences have burned and no injuries have been reported. Per the Ventura Fire Department, 14,000 residents and 5000...
UPDATED with the latest: Firefighters are making progress in their battle against the Canyon Fire north of Los Angeles.
The fire, which broke out Thursday afternoon near Lake Piru, is now 25% contained, thanks to overnight water drops which kept the flames at bay, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
The fire has burned 5,370 acres. One structure has been reported destroyed, but no residences have burned and no injuries have been reported. Per the Ventura Fire Department, 14,000 residents and 5000 structures remain under evacuation warning. In LA County Evacuation Orders cover 2700 residents and 700 structures.
Not evacuated — though close to the edge of the warnings — was Magic Mountain. The fire seemed headed toward the park for a time yesterday, but has been held north of the Six Flags-owned site since.
Local news footage last night showed the fire burning east toward Castaic Lake High School and even spotting ahead of it. The high school, which lies within the area covered by an Evacuation Order, was closed today, per ABC7.
This afternoon, Watch Duty indicated that the fire had “slopped over the ridge near Castaic Lake High School.” Crews were deployed to put in a dozer line. Two more air tankers and a lead plane were requested to lay down a fire retardant line nearby.
More than 400 firefighting personnel are working with nine hand crews, three bulldozers, seven helicopters, three air tankers and 45 engines to attack the blaze in steep terrain amid hot, dry conditions, which show no sign of letting up soon.
Additionally, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced today that the state has secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to “help ensure the availability of vital resources to suppress the Canyon Fire burning in Los Angeles County.”
The grant allows “local, state, and tribal agencies responding to the fire to apply for 75 percent reimbursement of their eligible fire suppression costs.”
There is no immediate word on the cause of the fire.
PREVIOUS, Aug. 7: At 8 p.m, the fast-moving Canyon Fire in Castaic north of Los Angeles had scorched 1,700 acres. With homes threatened, containment was still at 0%. By 10 p.m., the number of acres blackened had ballooned to 4,856, per CalFire. The count of firefighting personnel on the blaze was 250, up from 150 earlier in the day.
Per a CalFire report tonight, “The fire is burning east with a rapid rate of spread in light to medium fuels. The onshore push is influencing fire behavior, and the fire is threatening 60kv powerlines as well as the communities of Hasley Canyon and Hathaway Ranch.”
Thousands of residents were under Evacuation Orders. By sunset, Evacuation Warnings had been expanded to the east of the fire to the edge of the 5 Freeway, the main artery leading into Los Angeles from the north.
ABC’s World News Tonight led its segment about fires in the west with the Canyon blaze.
The Quick Reaction Force — a joint effort between Southern Cal Edison, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the Ventura County Fire Department and the Orange County Fire Authority — posted aerial video this evening of the fire.
PREVIOUSLY AT 5:24 p.m.: The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors this afternoon issued an emergency proclamation in response to the Canyon Fire near Santa Clarita.
“The issuance of this emergency proclamation is a crucial step in our fight against the Canyon Fire,” said Board Chair Kathryn Barger, in whose district much of the fire sits. “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.”
The local emergency declaration grants authorities the flexibility to coordinate across agencies, mobilize additional firefighting personnel and equipment, and streamline procurement processes. Barger urged all residents in affected areas to remain vigilant, follow evacuation orders, and stay informed through official channels as the situation evolves.
PREVIOUSLY AT 4 p.m.: A fast-moving brush fire that erupted near Lake Piru in Ventura County rapidly burned toward Magic today, prompting evacuation orders in the Val Verde area west of Castaic and an Evacuation Warning reaching eastward to within about two miles of the theme park. There are no indications that the Six Flags plans to interrupt operations at this time.
The Canyon Fire erupted shortly after 2 p.m., burning in a remote area east of Lake Piru but spreading rapidly eastward through the brush. Initially estimated at about 30 acres, the blaze grew rapidly, and within an hour it was estimated by crews at the scene to have scorched roughly 600 acres. By 4:12 p.m., it was over 1,000 acres with 0% containment.
The latest Evacuation Warnings issued at 4 p.m. indicated the threat of spread was on the fire’s northern flank, away from Magic Mountain.
With the fire advancing, Evacuation Warnings were issued in the Val Verde area. That warning was later elevated to an Evacuation Order, while some surrounding neighborhoods were placed under additional warnings. Evacuation Orders are indicated in red on the map below, while Evacuation Warnings are in Yellow.
Fire crews from Ventura and Los Angeles counties were battling the flames, with assistance from Angeles National Forest personnel. In all, more than 150 fire personnel with 11 fixed-wing aircraft and 7 helicopters were engaged.
The National Weather Service reported that temperatures in the area were hovering around 100 degrees Thursday afternoon with the wind out of the west at about 5 mph.
The blaze was burning about 90 miles southeast of the much larger Gifford Fire in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties. That wildfire has been burning for close to a week and has scorched nearly 100,000 acres.
There was no immediate word on the cause of the Canyon Fire, and no reports of any injuries.
City News Service contributed to this report.
LOS ANGELES – A fast-moving wildfire broke out on Aug. 7 in northwest Los Angeles that grew to over 1,000 acres in a matter of hours, triggering evacuations amid a blistering and dangerous heat wave in Southern California.The blaze, dubbed the Canyon Fire, was first reported shortly before 1:30 p.m. PT near Piru, California, and the Los Angeles-Ventura county line. Initial reports indicated the fire had burned roughly 30 acres.In an evening update, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reported the fir...
LOS ANGELES – A fast-moving wildfire broke out on Aug. 7 in northwest Los Angeles that grew to over 1,000 acres in a matter of hours, triggering evacuations amid a blistering and dangerous heat wave in Southern California.
The blaze, dubbed the Canyon Fire, was first reported shortly before 1:30 p.m. PT near Piru, California, and the Los Angeles-Ventura county line. Initial reports indicated the fire had burned roughly 30 acres.
In an evening update, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reported the fire had scorched 1,500 acres. There was no containment as of 11:30 p.m. local time.
"The fire is burning east with a rapid rate of spread in light to medium fuels," Cal Fire said in an update.
Multiple helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, including six air tankers, dropped water and retardant on the flames throughout the afternoon. Officials also requested additional firefighters, including hand crews, engines, and bulldozers, Andrew Dowd, a spokesman for the Ventura County Fire Department, told the Ventura County Star, part of the USA TODAY Network.
Winds had mostly pushed smoke toward Los Angeles County on Thursday afternoon, the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District said in an air quality watch. The district added that the winds are expected to shift toward Ventura County overnight.
Evacuation orders and warnings blanketed both sides of the county line as the blaze grew.
In Ventura County, evacuation orders are in place for the Lake Piru Recreation Area, east to the Los Angeles County line, north of Highway 126, according to the Ventura County Sheriff's Office of Emergency Services. In Los Angeles County, evacuation orders cover the western half of the mountain communities of Castaic and Val Verde north of Highway 126, with evacuation warnings extending east to Interstate 5.
The estimated number of structures and ranches in evacuation zones was not immediately available, Dowd said. The cause of the fire is under investigation, according to Cal Fire.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents impacted areas of the county, urged residents to follow evacuation orders.
"If first responders tell you to leave, go—without hesitation," Barger warned on Facebook. "The Eaton Fire showed us how quickly devastation can strike. It is never worth risking your life, the lives of your loved ones and pets, or the safety of those working to protect you."
Firefighters have made good progress in the battle against the Canyon Fire, which continued burning in Ventura and Los Angeles counties on Friday after it broke out the day prior.The vegetation fire, which is estimated to be 5,370 acres and 78% contained, erupted near Holser Canyon north of the Piru community, according to the Ventura County Fire Department. Overnight on Thursday, firefighters continued battling the fire, using water and retardant-dropping aircraft, as it spread east toward the Castaic area.According to the Cal...
Firefighters have made good progress in the battle against the Canyon Fire, which continued burning in Ventura and Los Angeles counties on Friday after it broke out the day prior.
The vegetation fire, which is estimated to be 5,370 acres and 78% contained, erupted near Holser Canyon north of the Piru community, according to the Ventura County Fire Department. Overnight on Thursday, firefighters continued battling the fire, using water and retardant-dropping aircraft, as it spread east toward the Castaic area.
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), the fire was at one point threatening power lines as well as the communities of Hasley Canyon and Hathaway Ranch.
Crews from the Ventura County Fire Department and the LA County Fire Department are operating in unified command. At its height, about 600 firefighters, and seven water-dropping helicopters, were assigned to the incident.
On Friday, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant to help state officials fight the fire. The grant will provide federal funding for up to 75% of eligible firefighting costs.
"Thank you to the brave men and women who are fighting the Canyon Fire and other wildfires throughout the state," Newsom said. "This assistance will help our partners protect California communities."
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The fire's rapid growth prompted officials to issue evacuation orders and warnings in Ventura and LA counties on Thursday, but good progress that was made overnight and throughout the next day prompted officials to lift all orders and warnings at around 6:30 p.m. on Friday.
It is unclear exactly how many residents were affected by the orders and warnings.
For more detailed information on the evacuations in Ventura County, visit the Incident Map and Dashboard. For the LA County side, visit Cal Fire.
Chelsea Hylton
Chelsea Hylton is a web producer for CBS Los Angeles. An Inglewood native, Hylton has her master's degree from USC. She covers local breaking news across the Southern California region. Before joining CBS in 2024, she worked at NBC LA, Telemundo 52, The Los Angeles Times and KOMO 4 News in Seattle.
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