Major fire extinguished at former Sunkist packaging plant in Oxnard Wednesday
OXNARD, Calif.- Four ladder trucks and 19 fire engine companies battled a major fire at a former Sunkist packaging plant in Oxnard Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning.
There are currently no reported injuries at the scene, but that is subject to change as investigators process the scene warn the City of Oxnard.
The call of a structure fire at 245 E. Colonia Road came to public safety dispatchers around 10:28 p.m. Tuesday detail the City of Oxnard in a press release.
According to the City of Oxnard, the fire is considered one of the largest in the city's recent history and responders maintained a defensive position to limit the potential spread of flames to nearby buildings.
Battalion Chief Nate La Russo from Oxnard Fire Department told News Channel, "The loss of the structure is significant for property owners. There are smoke and debris impacts across the neighborhoods, specifically La Colonia. We have some schools in the city that have shut down because of air quality issues."
A shelter-in-place order issued to residents in the West Village and La Colonia neighborhoods was lifted as of 10 a.m. Wednesday morning according to VC Emergency.
Fire crews remain on scene as of 10 a.m. Wednesday morning as personnel from the Ventura County Fire Department, Ventura City Fire Department, and Naval Base Ventura County's Federal Fire provided assistance state the City of Oxnard.
Oxnard Police assisted in the response by closing area streets including Oxnard Boulevard which remains closed in both directions Wednesday from Deoder Ave. to Cooper Rd. as well as Colonia Rd. from Oxnard Blvd. to Hayes Ave. explain the City of Oxnard.
According to the City of Oxnard, the Oxnard School District has closed Romana, Chavez Rose Avenue, Brekke, and Frank schools until further notice. Parents are asked to follow updates on the status of those schools with the school district.
The fire also shut down rail service west of the factory and the City of Oxnard advises travelers to check train schedules for the latest updates.
