VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. — A new fast-moving wildfire broke out in Southern California’s Ventura County late Monday, driven by strong Santa Ana winds that complicated efforts to contain the flames.
Dubbed the “Auto Fire,” the blaze was first reported around 7:45 p.m. local time near the Santa Clara River bottom, close to North Ventura Boulevard and Auto Center Drive, according to the Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD). By 8:45 p.m., the fire had burned roughly five acres, with approximately 75 firefighters deployed to battle the flames, the VCFD said in a social media post.
Aerial footage showed the fire lighting up the night sky against a backdrop of city lights, while strong wind gusts fanned the flames. By 9:30 p.m., the fire was about 1,033 feet from Victoria Avenue, a key thoroughfare in the area, fueled by dry vegetation and powerful winds.
Santa Ana winds worsen fire conditions
The region was under a red flag warning Monday night, with meteorologists warning that dangerous Santa Ana winds were expected to intensify. Wind gusts could reach up to 75 mph starting early Tuesday morning, according to the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center.
The Santa Ana winds, known for their dry and forceful gusts, have historically exacerbated wildfires in Southern California by quickly spreading flames through parched terrain.
Firefighting efforts continue
Firefighters on the ground and in the air worked through the night to contain the blaze, though the strong winds posed significant challenges. No immediate reports of injuries or structural damage were available as of late Monday.
The Ventura County Fire Department urged residents to remain vigilant, as conditions remained ripe for the fire to spread rapidly. Further updates on containment efforts and evacuations are expected as crews continue to monitor the situation.
