Firefighters Battle Wind-Driven South Fire in Ventura County
ICARO Media Group
Ventura County, CA - Firefighters in Ventura County are working tirelessly to contain the wind-fueled South Fire, which started on Saturday morning near the top of the ridgeline of South Mountain. The fire, currently estimated to be approximately 3,000 acres in size, is burning along the southern slopes of South Mountain in rugged terrain between Somis and Santa Paula.
As gusty northeasterly winds continue to fuel the flames, the fire is being driven south and west. Despite the challenging conditions, firefighters have made progress overnight, reaching 15 percent containment. Thankfully, no homes have been lost at this point, but one outbuilding has been destroyed.
To ensure public safety, several roads have been closed in the affected area. These include roads from West Los Angeles Avenue to West La Loma Avenue, specifically La Vista Avenue, Walnut Avenue, Price Road, Aggen Road, and the eastern portion of West La Loma Avenue from La Vista Road.
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Ventura County until 3 p.m. on Sunday, citing peak wind gusts ranging from 35 to 50 mph in most mountain and foothill areas. This warning indicates an increased risk of wildfires and urges residents to exercise caution.
The cause of the South Fire remains unknown at this time. Authorities are actively investigating the origin and factors contributing to the fire's rapid spread in order to determine its source.
Local residents seeking information about the fire can contact the Incident Information Hotline at 805-465-6650.
Firefighters battling the South Fire continue to demonstrate tremendous dedication and bravery as they work to contain the blaze under challenging conditions. With their efforts and ongoing support, authorities hope to successfully control the wildfire and prevent any further destruction.