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PM2.5 concentration is currently 1.7 times the World Health Organization annual PM2.5 guideline value.

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History

The Kanan Fire has broken out near Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village, sending smoke across the Conejo Valley. Evacuation Warnings have been issued.

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Update (3:05pm PDT/ 6:05pm EDT): The City of Agoura Hills shared an update that firefighters have managed to stop the fire from spreading any further outward. They wrote on X: “Forward progress on the Kanan Fire has been stopped. Thank you to our public safety personnel for their response. Friendly reminder to everyone in our community to stay prepared by knowing their evacuation zone, having a go-bag ready, and having a plan.”

Initial Story: The Kanan Fire has broken out near Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village, California with smoke spreading across Conejo Valley as firefighters respond to the wildfire. Residents have shared videos showing smoke rising from the area, while emergency crews continue working to contain the blaze.

What we know so far?

According to authorities, the fire is listed at 3 acres as of 2:26pm local time. Fire personnel and aircraft are actively responding the accident.

Evacuation Warnings have been issued for Zones:

Thousand Oaks 16

Thousand Oaks 17

Thousand Oaks 32

Thousand Oaks 36

Thousand Oaks 37

Residents can check the map here.

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Here are the images and videos:

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What caused the fire?

Ventura County Fire crews responded to a vegetation fire in North Ranch, on the county's eastern edge, on August 2. The blaze, quickly named the Kanan Fire, was first reported around 2:10pm local time near Westlake Boulevard and East Kanan Road, according to initial fire reports cited by VC Star.

Residents were advised to stay alert to changing conditions, follow instructions from public safety officials, and use their best judgment. “If you feel unsafe, leave the area,” the site said.

The fire broke out as temperatures in the region soared into triple digits, with the area under an extreme heat warning until 8pm local time, according to the National Weather Service.

Video captured in Southern California shows two large rattlesnakes duking it out, intertwining their bodies in what looks almost like a tango near a storm drain in Thousand Oaks. This highlights a broader, unsettling surge in snake encounters across the region.

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Video captured in Southern California shows two large rattlesnakes fighting near a storm drain in Thousand Oaks on Tuesday, highlighting a broader, unsettling surge in snake encounters across the region.

Their slender forms are seen raised high as the two duke it out, intertwining their bodies in what looks almost like a tango — further underscoring the snakes' recent presence and the spike in rattlesnake bites.

The California Poison Control System (CPCS) reported 77 rattlesnake encounter and bite calls during the early months of this year—a figure that has since surged to approximately 250 calls within the first six months.

"Three encounters have been fatal that we're aware of so far this year, which is highly unusual and deeply concerning," Dr. Rais Vohra, Medical Director for the Fresno/Madera Division of CPCS said in the May report.

For perspective, as our affiliates at FOX 11 Los Angeles reported, Lee Cantrell of the California Poison Control System called the current surge unprecedented, noting in an interview that he's only seen two or three career-related deaths in 30 years.

State poison control authorities note that while snake bites occur in all areas of California, they are more frequent in Southern California.

In California, rattlesnakes are most active between March and October, peaking during warmer weather, as rising temperatures prompt them to come out of hiding to hunt and find mates.

"Although rattlesnakes generally avoid humans, accidental encounters can happen during warmer weather and outdoor activities," the CPCS said.

Rattlesnakes are venomous and bites can cause severe pain, rapid swelling and tissue damage and, in rare cases, death if not treated.

Experts urge caution amid the rising number of snake bites, reminding the public to seek emergency medical help immediately by calling 911 and getting to a hospital as quickly as possible if a bite occurs.

A dead bird collected in Thousand Oaks has tested positive for West Nile virus, marking the city’s first confirmed detection this year, according to Ventura County officials.

The Ventura County Environmental Health Division said the bird, collected July 2, tested positive with confirmation by the California Department of Public Health.

The virus was first detected in Ventura County this year in May. County officials reported mosquito activity started earlier than usual this year due to above-average temperatures partnered with increased rainfall.

“Every year is different, but this year we had a pattern of precipitation then heat really early,” said Cary Svoboda, supervising environmental health specialist for vector control “We had rain in December and rain in January, but in March, it really heated up and that created conditions for mosquitoes to really start developing and gave them a headstart.”

Ventura County Public Health said no human cases of West Nile virus have been identified in the county so far in 2026. As of July 17, only two people—one in Sacramento and one in Los Angeles—had been reported as having the virus.

Svoboda said West Nile is a reportable disease, meaning doctors who diagnose cases must report them to the state so cases can be tracked. The county’s vector control specialist said not everyone who has the disease will be diagnosed or even feel sick.

Most people infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms, but about one in five may experience fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or a rash. In rare cases, the virus can cause serious neurological illnesses, such as encephalitis or meningitis, particularly in older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

The virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease in the United States. It is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito, which becomes infected after feeding on birds carrying the virus. The virus is named after the West Nile district of Uganda, where it was first identified in a woman in 1937.

Following the positive test in Thousand Oaks, the Environmental Health Division said it will inspect mosquito breeding sources in the area where the bird was found and treat any locations where mosquito breeding is detected.

“Our staff is working hard to inspect and control our inventory of around 2000 breeding sights,” he said.”But it really is a community effort.”

To that end, county officials are urging residents to help reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illness by eliminating standing water around their homes, ensuring doors and windows have tight-fitting screens without holes, wearing long sleeves and long pants when outdoors— particularly at dawn and dusk—and using an EPA-approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus (or PMD).

West Nile virus can infect both people and horses. Horse owners with questions about protecting their animals are encouraged to contact their veterinarian.

Residents can report mosquitoes or potential mosquito breeding sources by calling the Ventura County mosquito complaint hotline at 805-658-4310.

The Environmental Health Division also offers free mosquito-eating fish for use in neglected swimming pools, ornamental ponds and other standing-water features where mosquitoes may breed. Residents can request the fish by calling 805-662-6582.

Recently deceased wild birds can be reported through the California West Nile Virus website or by calling 877-WNVBIRD (877-968-2473).

For more information about mosquito surveillance and control efforts in Ventura County, visit rma.venturacounty.gov/divisions/ environmental-health/vector-control program.