Warm Temperatures Spark Brush Fires in Southern California

Add Feedback

Share |

Southern California experienced the first hot day of summer Tuesday, which kept fire crews in three counties busy battling brush fires, the most dangerous one being the 68 acre Camarillo Heights Fire that began in Camarillo, California and headed towards the town of Somis, according to the Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD).

At the height of the blaze, four helicopters and four tankers attached the flames from the air, 250 firefighters were on the ground and voluntary evacuations were ordered for more than 50 homes. Evacuation orders were lifted Tuesday evening as crews gained a handle on the blaze.

According to the VCFD, the fire was 80% contained Wednesday morning with full containment expected in the early afternoon. A preliminary investigation shows the fire was started at a homeless encampment, according to the Ventura County Star.

In Los Angeles County, a five acre fire threatened homes in the city of Walnut, California late Tuesday afternoon. Nearly 200 Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) firefighters assisted by several water dropping helicopters attacked the fire and were able to knock it down in 45 minutes, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Twenty-four homes were evacuated for a short period of time and two firefighters suffered minor injuries, according to the Star. The cause of this fire is under investigation.

Fire officials credit good brush clearance around homes and aggressive firefighting tactics with helping to stop the spread of both fires.

The third fire burned in Camp Pendleton, a U.S. Marine Corps base north of San Diego, California. The 2,700 acre fire is burning in the middle of the large base and is not threatening any structures. It began Tuesday morning during a training exercise and is currently 80% contained.


Author:Barbara Brooks - Fire Department Network News