Crews in Ventura County containing fire in Somis amid Santa Ana winds, evacuation order in place
SOMIS, Calif. — According to the Ventura County Fire Department, first responders are working to contain a brush fire burning along a ridgeline south of South Mountain, in the Somis area Saturday morning.
The brush fire began approximately at 9:30 a.m. west of Honda Barranca Road and north of La Loma Avenue, which is being shut down between Price Road and Walnut Avenue.
The Ventura County Sheriff's Office say, an evacuation order has been issued for the following areas in Somis and Santa Paula:
- South Mountain – South Side Foothills
- North: East La Loma Avenue & West La Loma Avenue
- South: East Los Angeles Avenue
- East: Aggen Road
- West: La Vista Ave.
- S. Mission Rock Road Area, Santa Paula
- North: Hwy 118
- South: Santa Clara River
- East: S. Briggs Rd
- Saticoy Country Club Area
- North: Santa Clara River
- South and West: W. Los Angeles Ave.
- East: La Vista Ave.
A temporary shelter has been established at the campus gym of the Ventura Community College on West Campus Way at 4667 Telegraph Road Ventura, CA 93003, according to the Red Cross of Central California.
#SouthFire: We encourage anyone preparing to evacuate to bring personal items for each member of their family, including prescription & emergency medications, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies, important documents & other comfort items ➡️ https://t.co/7lVN9zPBQf pic.twitter.com/bmlsNbutzC
— Red Cross Central California (@RedCrossCCR) December 9, 2023
According to VCFD Public Information Officer Andy VanSciver, the so called "South Fire" in the Somis South Mountain is now at 2,444 acres with 0% containment.
Fire crews including engines, hand-crews, dozers and helicopters with night vision capabilities will continue throughout the night. Air tankers and helicopters are on the scene amid gusty Santa Ana winds impacting the area.
The VCFD says, there are currently 56 pieces of equipment and 100 firefighters on the scene.
#Southfire Update: Fire is now at 2444 acres with 0% containment. Fire crews including engines, hand-crews, dozers and helicopters with night vision capabilities will continue throughout the night. Please continue to follow https://t.co/lZ7sT3D6AJ for updates and evacuations. pic.twitter.com/ro5TGjao50
— VCFD PIO (@VCFD_PIO) December 10, 2023
Therer are road closures are in effect for the following areas from West Los Angeles Avenue northward to West La Loma Avenue:
- La Vista Ave.
- Walnut Ave.
- Price Road
- Aggen Road
- W. La Loma Ave. east from La Vista Road
The VCFD says, an Incident Command Post has been set up at Mesa Union Elementary School.
According to the National Weather Service of Los Angeles, conditions at the South Fire are seeing Santa Winds blowing gusts 30 miles per hour and humidity standing at 15%.
A red flag warning is in effect for Ventura County, commencing at 8:00 AM on Saturday, December 9, 2023, and concluding at 3:00 PM on Sunday, December 10, 2023, says the NWS of LA.
Conditions at #SouthFire NE winds 20-25 with gusts to 45 mph. Humidity 15%. #RedFlagWarning in effect. Latest forecast for the fire: https://t.co/g1eYhVm80K
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) December 9, 2023
Residents around South Mountain between #Saticoy and #Santa Paula, stay alert to evacuations at https://t.co/BLtDMG5KNl https://t.co/gDYBVNDwPB
According to the Ventura County Emergency website, Southern California Edison is monitoring numerous electrical circuits in Ventura County for potential Public Safety Power Shutoffs.
Caltrans District 7 says, to use alternate routes and avoid traveling on State Route 118 west of Moorpark in the Somis area, at this time.
🚨🚨 Please use alternate routes & avoid traveling on State Route 118 west of Moorpark in the Somis area at this time!
— Caltrans District 7 (@CaltransDist7) December 9, 2023
An evacuation order has been issued in the area shown due to the #SouthFire. If you must drive in the area, use caution. https://t.co/O37QesJHpw https://t.co/I6dY3ud5bE pic.twitter.com/DT9u63Ku8O
To be up to date with the fire visit VC Emergency.
For more information on impacted electrical circuits you can look at the incident dashboard here.
Individuals with questions regarding the fire can contact the Incident Information Hotline at 805-465-6650.
We will update this article as more information comes in.
