A fast-moving brush fire erupted in Ventura County on Monday evening, fueled by extreme Santa Ana winds that have returned to Southern California. The blaze, located in the Santa Clara River bottom near N. Ventura Boulevard and Auto Center Drive, was reported shortly before 7:45 p.m., according to the Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD).
By 8:30 p.m., the fire had scorched approximately 10 acres, driven by wind gusts of 20 to 30 miles per hour. The National Weather Service had earlier issued a “Particularly Dangerous Situation” Red Flag warning for Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, cautioning residents about heightened fire risks from Monday through Wednesday due to the Santa Ana wind event.
Ground and Aerial Crews Mobilized
An estimated 75 firefighters from multiple agencies, including the Oxnard and Ventura Fire Departments, were dispatched to the scene to combat the flames. Crews worked diligently to contain the fire to the riverbed and prevent its spread to nearby structures.
Aerial support included four water-dropping aircraft—a Chinook, a Sikorsky Sea King, and two other helicopters—which played a critical role in suppressing the flames. Despite their efforts, strong winds continued to scatter embers, causing small spot fires to ignite across the area.
No Evacuations or Structural Threats
As of the latest update, no evacuation orders had been issued, and no structures were under immediate threat. Firefighters remain focused on containing the fire and preventing further flare-ups, though the cause of the blaze is still under investigation.
SkyCal footage captured from overhead revealed the challenging conditions faced by crews, with embers carried by winds igniting multiple small fires nearby.
Southern California residents are urged to remain vigilant during the ongoing Red Flag warning period. Authorities recommend securing flammable materials and having an emergency plan in place as weather conditions continue to pose significant wildfire risks.
Updates on containment efforts and potential weather impacts will be provided as new information becomes available.
