LOS ANGELES, CA — A fast-moving brush fire erupted Thursday in a mountainous area north of Los Angeles, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate within hours.

Dubbed the Canyon Fire, the blaze spread with alarming speed, growing to over 1.6 square miles (4.1 square kilometers) in less than three hours, according to local authorities.

Emergency crews raced to contain the flames as gusty winds and dry terrain fueled the fire’s rapid expansion. Evacuation orders were issued for multiple communities, with shelters opening to accommodate displaced residents.

Officials have yet to determine the cause of the blaze, but fire weather warnings remain in effect across the region as Southern California braces for more dangerous conditions in the days ahead.