Fire burns canyons between Camarillo and coast

Hundreds of firefighters are trying to get the upper hand on a fast moving fire between Camarillo and Point Mugu.

Firefighters have not pinpointed a cause, but they believe it started around 6:30 a.m. along the shoulder of the southbound 101 freeway on the busy Conejo Grade.

That’s the mountain that separates Camarillo from Newbury Park and Thousand Oaks.

Santa Ana winds pushed the fire toward the ocean making it difficult to contain.

Forecasters define Santa Ana winds as 40 plus mile an hour winds that move down slopes and rush through mountain. They are known to help brush fires spread.

Spot fires spread the fire to the backyards of expensive homes in Dos Vientos and Camarillo Springs.

Firefighters urged people to move their outdoor furniture away from their homes and to draw their shades.

Lynn Corney packed up her dog Gidget and her medicine.

Her friend Bob Wendt said he had money to help them find a safer place to stay while the fire fight rages on.

Reuben Ruis couldn’t take his eyes of the black smoke. He said it felt like he was standing next to a hot stove.

By midday the fire had grown to more than 6,000 acres,

Some vehicles and ag buildings caught fire.

Evacuation centers are being set up at churches and community centers.

Crews battling 6500 acre Springs wildfire in Ventura County