An evacuation order has been issued for a portion of northern Ventura County as a brush fire broke out near the community of Somis. Ventura County Fire Department officials are currently working to contain the fire, which started at approximately 9:37 a.m. on Saturday west of South Mountain.

As of 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, an evacuation order was issued for areas affected by the blaze, which had already spread to about 311 acres as of 12:35 p.m. The majority of the fire was burning on the south side and the ridgeline of South Mountain. Firefighters are facing the challenge of battling the flames, which are being fueled by gusty 30-mile-per-hour southeasterly winds, according to VCFD officials.

The scale of the incident suggests that up to 45,000 people could be affected by Public Safety Power Shutoffs in the region. The Ventura County Sheriff's Department's emergency incident dashboard has been monitoring the situation closely, with concerns about the wind event continuing throughout the weekend.

To accommodate the evacuated individuals, a temporary evacuation point has been established at Ventura Community College, located at 4667 Telegraph Road in Ventura. This will provide a safe location for residents who were forced to leave their homes due to the imminent threat posed by the brush fire.

The timing of this brush fire is particularly concerning as it coincides with a period of exceptionally high winds in the area. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for much of Southern California until Sunday, indicating a significant risk of fire due to the dry conditions and strong winds present.

Residents in the affected areas are urged to follow the evacuation order and prioritize their safety. The Ventura County Fire Department, along with other emergency response agencies, will continue their efforts to contain and extinguish the brush fire while ensuring the well-being of the community.

Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available. It is crucial for residents to stay informed through official channels and adhere to all safety recommendations during this challenging time.