South Fire in Ventura County grows to 2,700 acres, 50% containment

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What to Know

  • As of 6:53 a.m. Sunday, the fire swelled to 2,715 acres.
  • A shelter has been activated at the Ventura Community College.
  • Those who have questions on the emergency can contact the Incident Information Hotline at 805-465-6650.

Firefighters continue battling a fire in Ventura County has grown to 2,715 acres, prompting evacuations in the area.

A team of 300 firefighters from across SoCal are fighting the fire from the ground with 50 trucks, while seven air tankers and five helicopters make drops over the flames. The fire is currently at 50% containment.

Ten aircraft including fixed-wing and helicopters are making drops over the fire. Additional resources are being ordered, according to the Ventura County Fire Department.

The fast-moving brush fire is burning along the ridgeline and south side of South Mountain.

The County’s emergency operations center (EOC) has been activated to facilitate supporting the response, according to the Ventura County Incident Information Source. The fire is burning to the west of Honda Barranca Road and north of La Loma Road. 

The fire began at approximately 9:30 a.m. and is currently at almost 2,715 acres in size after Cal Fire reduced that figure Sunday evening.

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"It is being driven to the south and west by gusty, 30 mph, northeasterly winds," the site said.

Firefighters are hoping for some relief as the National Weather Service has a red flag warning issued until Sunday afternoon. The American Red Cross set up a shelter at Ventura Community College.

Fire officials say while the cause of the fire is still under investigation, no major structures have been damaged or destroyed.

Evacuations

An evacuation order has been issued for the following areas:

  • Saticoy Country Club Area
  • North: Santa Clara River
  • South and West: W. Los Angeles Avenue
  • East: La Vista Avenue

As of 8:00 a.m. Sunday, evacuation orders were lifted for the following areas:

  • Somis 
    • North : East La Loma Avenue & West La Loma Avenue
    • South: East Los Angeles Avenue
    • East: Aggen Road
    • West: La Vista Avenue
  • Mission Rock Road Area, Santa Paula
    • North : Hwy 126
    • South: Santa Clara River
    • East: S. Briggs Road

A temporary evacuation point has been activated in the west parking lot of the Ventura Community College at 4667 Telegraph Rd. Ventura CA 93003.

Residents of Ventura County were ordered to vacate their homes due to a burning fire amid a red flag warning. Macy Jenkins reports for the NBC4 News on Dec. 9, 2023.

Road closures

Some roads have also been closed including:

  • from W. Los Angeles Ave. north toward W. La Loma Ave.
  • La Vista Ave.
  • Walnut Ave.
  • Price Road
  • Aggen Road 
  • W. La Loma Ave. east from La Vista Road

Those who have questions on the emergency can contact the Incident Information Hotline at 805-465-6650. For more details on evacuations click here.

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