Fire crews in Ventura County were battling two brush fires Monday night, fueled by gusty Santa Ana winds. The blazes, known as the Auto Fire and the Royal Fire, ignited in Ventura and Simi Valley, respectively, causing swift responses from local firefighters and aerial units.
Auto Fire in Ventura Fire
- Location & Timing: The Auto Fire was first reported at 6:50 p.m. in the Santa Clara River bottom near Auto Center Drive in Ventura Fire.
- Fire Details:
- As of 8 p.m., the fire had grown to 5 acres and was moving at a moderate rate through medium vegetation.
- Crews on the ground and helicopters worked to contain the blaze with water drops.
- By 9 p.m., 75 firefighters were actively engaged in fighting the fire, with additional air support requested.
- A helicopter from Los Angeles County was en route to assist, according to radio communications.
- Impact:
- The fire extended into the RiverRidge Golf Club in Oxnard, where efforts included activating sprinklers to mitigate fire damage.
Royal Fire in Simi Valley
- Location & Timing: The Royal Fire was reported at 7:48 p.m. near Darrah Volunteer Park and the Arroyo Simi Equestrian Center in central Simi Valley.
- Details: Crews responded swiftly to assess the fire and begin suppression efforts, but details about its size and containment were not immediately available.
Firefighting Challenges
- Weather Conditions: The Santa Ana winds, notorious for spreading wildfires quickly, made containment efforts more difficult.
- Resource Allocation: Firefighters were stretched thin but maintained rapid responses to both incidents. Helicopters and ground crews coordinated efforts to contain the fires and protect nearby structures.
Community Impact
- Power Outages: Thousands of residents in Southern California faced power cuts earlier in the day due to fire weather precautions, leaving many without electricity as fire crews worked to contain the blazes.
- Evacuations: No immediate evacuation orders were issued, but authorities urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid affected areas.
Ongoing Monitoring
Officials continue to monitor both fires as crews work overnight to contain the flames and prevent further spread. Updates on containment efforts and community safety measures are expected in the coming hours.