Warm and Windy Weather Helps Fuel Fires

Ventura County Fire Department responded to three small, wind-related fires in various areas of the county Friday.

One fire broke out at 10:22 a.m. on the 2300 block of Victoria Avenue. The flames began in two palm trees near the Victoria Motel.

Another tree caught on fire 10:45 a.m. on the 3600 block of Almond Avenue in the Nyeland Acres community. The flames were burning close to a structure.

A third brush fire began at 11:42 a.m. near Shell Road and Ventura Avenue, close to Highway 33. California Highway Patrol said there is a downed power line in the area west of Ventura Avenue. Fire officials said this fire is burning about a 30 by 30-foot spot of heavy grass.

Ventura County fire spokesperson Capt. Mike Lindbery reports heavy winds throughout Ventura County. He said all fires have been contained and knocked down.

Southern California Edison released the following wind and fire weather information:

“With high winds impacting various parts of Southern California Edison’s service territory, the company wants to remind its customers that outages may occur and to never approach or touch downed power lines.

The National Weather Service predicts that wind speeds ranging from 25 mph to 45 mph will continue today in Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties, with gusts up to 60 mph. High winds are expected to last until Sunday morning.

SCE has personnel, including restoration and repair crews, standing by. If you see a downed power line or dangling wire – even if it appears not to be live – don’t touch or approach it or anything that is in contact with it and call 911 immediately.”

Slideshow: Warm and Windy Weather Helps Fuel Fires