One year after Solimar Fire burned more than 1300 acres

December 25th marks the one year anniversary of the Solimar Fire.

The wildfire broke out December 25, 2015 after being reported as a smoke check. When crews first arrived on scene, the fire had already grown to 30 acres.

“This one was burning with a vengeance. The biggest thing that we were concerned too was the embers. They can travel and once they find a place, they can quickly start a fire inside a vehicle,” said Division Chief Norm Plott, Ventura County Fire Department.

The fire burned more than 1300 acres. The burn area was in Ventura County boundaries. It was close to U.S. Highway 101, campgrounds and residential neighborhoods.

“We had a lot of people in the campground because it was a holiday weekend and we had a train going through so we needed to get people out of harm’s way,” said Plott.

After 5 days, crews were able to contain the fire. Weeks later, crews returned to clear a flood that occurred after heavy rain pushed mud from the mountainside down onto the highway.

Check back later for additional information.