A wildfire raging in Ventura County has grown to over 2,000 acres since it started on Saturday morning. The South Fire, which ignited near the top of South Mountain in the Somis area, is being propelled by gusty winds and has prompted evacuation orders for several communities.
According to reports from ABC7, the blaze was initially estimated at 4 acres but rapidly expanded due to the wind conditions. First responders have been tackling the inferno from both land and sky, with hand crews, engine companies, dozers, and night vision-equipped helicopters working through the night.
Evacuation orders have been put in place for the south-side foothills of South Mountain, including areas north of East La Loma Avenue and south to East Los Angeles Avenue. Saticoy Country Club Area and parts of Santa Paula are also under threat, as detailed by CBS Los Angeles. A shelter has been opened at Ventura College to accommodate evacuees.
"Although the weather has lightened and the winds have lightened up here, we do expect crews to continue battling this blaze all throughout the evening," Andrew Dowd, a spokesman for the Ventura County Fire Department, told ABC7. Multiple road closures have been announced, and officials have warned of power shutoffs that could affect up to 45,000 people, according to a statement retrieved by KTLA.
Charles Tuel, a resident of Somis, recounted to KTLA, "It's almost crazy when you see the birds all flying at you. You know something is wrong," after rushing to evacuate his home amidst the smoke and flames. He, along with others affected, have found support from community organizations providing aid during this time of crisis.
The cause of the South Fire remains unknown. Firefighters hope to utilize the burn footprint from the 2019 Maria Fire to help contain the current blaze. For updates on evacuations, road closures, and safety information, residents can call the Incident Information Hotline at 805-465-6650.
