BY BRIAN FRANK IN NEWS ON OCTOBER 31, 2019 10:00 PM
A fast-moving fire that broke out on Halloween night in Ventura County has prompted mandatory evacuations near Santa Paula and Somis.
The Maria Fire started just after 6 p.m. on South Mountain and exploded to 4,000 acres by 9:30 p.m., with authorities warning that the fire was spreading rapidly. It was 0% contained as of late Thursday.
The Ventura County Fire Department said the mandatory evacuation zone was bounded by the 126 Freeway on the north, Los Angeles Avenue on the south, Vineyard on the west, and Balcom on the east.
About 250 firefighters were on scene, supported by three water-dropping helicopters and more than 30 engines, which were positioning to defend homes, according to the fire department.
Crews will continue to work amid dangerous weather conditions. A red flag warning was extended through 6 p.m. Friday, with winds expected up to 25 mph, with gusts of up to 35 mph, and single-digit humidity, according to the National Weather Service.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
THE BASICS
- Acreage: 4,000 acres
- Containment: 100%
- Structures destroyed: N/A
- Structures threatened: N/A
- Resources deployed: 250 firefighters
EVACUATIONS
Mandatory:
- North Boundary : South Mountain Road
- West Boundary: West Los Angeles Ave
- East Boundary: Balcom County Road
- South Boundary: Highway 118
EVACUATION CENTER
For people:
- Camarillo Community Center: 1605 Burnley St., Camarillo
For animals:
- Camarillo Animal Shelter (Small Animals): 600 Aviation Dr, Camarillo
- Ventura County Fairgrounds (Large Animals): 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura
- Earl Warren Showgrounds (Large Animals): 3400 Calle Real, Santa Barbara
Northeast winds 15-25 mph with gusts of 30-35 mph and long duration of single digit humidities will continue near the #MariaFire through mid afternoon hours on Fri. Red Flag Warning in effect until 6 pm Fri. #LAWeather #cawx #Socal
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MUTUAL AID NIGHT BRUSH FIRE 10/31/19 Two @LACoFireAirOps helicopters responding to assist @VCFD with the #MariaFire south of Santa Paula, CA. Follow @VCFD_PIO for updates. (@MonicaMonroe)
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Note: This story will not be updated again until Friday morning. For the latest updates, follow the Ventura County Fire Department on Twitter and check vcemergency.com, where you can look up your address to see if you're in an evacuation zone.
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