Firefighters contain Fillmore fire

Ventura County firefighters say a change in the winds helped them contain a fire north of Fillmore at noon Tuesday.

The fire broke out during windy conditions Monday afternoon near a mobile home. Firefighters say they can’t confirm the cause, but residents believe a broken tree branch hit a power line. Southern Cal Edison crews came out to repair the line on the roof of the mobile home.

The fire jumped Goodenough Road and damaged at least half of a larger home on a hillside overlooking Fillmore. Fire crews stopped the flames from spreading to the Traditions neighborhood. Residents say the area was used as a location in the TV show “Big Love.”

Fire Capt. Steve Kaufmann said it burned about 150 acres. While they looked for hot spots, they noticed that the fuel or brush near the burned area is as dry as they would expect to see in June. That means people should get a jump on removing weeds around their home. The cleared space helps firefighters save homes during fires.

About 160 homes were evacuated overnight, but some people stayed put.

Ernie Holmes said he has survived several fires. He said firefighters did a good job.

About 400 firefighters from Fillmore, Ventura County, Cal Fire and other agencies helped put the fire out.

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