A fast-moving brush fire, named the Auto Fire, broke out Monday evening near Auto Center Drive in Ventura County, triggering evacuation orders and a large-scale firefighting response. Fueled by Santa Ana winds, the blaze spread quickly but was largely contained by late evening as crews worked tirelessly to slow its progress.
Key Details at a Glance
- Location: Santa Clara River bottom near Auto Center Drive in Ventura, California.
- Size: Estimated at 30-50 acres by late evening.
- Evacuation Orders: For the Santa Clara River area between the 101 Freeway and Victoria Avenue.
- Firefighting Resources: Over 100 firefighters, supported by aerial water drops.
- Progress: Forward progress slowed by late evening, with crews continuing efforts overnight.
Ventura Fire Ignites Along Santa Clara River
The Ventura California fire was reported at approximately 6:50 p.m. on January 13, 2025, in the Santa Clara River bottom between Ventura and Oxnard. Initial reports estimated the fire at 5 acres, but it quickly grew due to gusty winds and dry conditions.
The fire burned through dense brush and heavy grass, a combination that firefighters described as challenging to contain. The affected area includes homeless encampments and is bordered by commercial businesses, Buenaventura Golf Course, and River Ridge Golf Club.
Evacuation Orders and Road Closures
By 9:30 p.m., Ventura County officials issued evacuation orders for the Santa Clara River area, specifically:
- Near Santa Clara River along Ventura Road
- West of Victoria Avenue
- East of 101 Freeway in Ventura County along Auto Center Drive
While no homes were directly at risk, authorities acted to protect vulnerable individuals in the area, including those living in nearby encampments.
Road Closures
Victoria Avenue, a major thoroughfare, was shut down between Gonzales Road and Olivas Park Drive to facilitate firefighting efforts and prevent onlookers from hindering access.
For real-time evacuation updates, residents were encouraged to consult the Ventura fire map and local emergency services websites.
Firefighting Efforts in Full Force
As the fire spread rapidly, resources from Ventura County, Oxnard, and Los Angeles County were dispatched. Over 100 firefighters, supported by multiple fire engines and four water-dropping helicopters, worked to contain the flames.
A combination of ground crews and aerial support, including a Chinook helicopter and Sikorsky Sea King, helped slow the fire’s advance. The winds, which initially pushed embers and caused spot fires, remained a concern throughout the operation.
Firefighters battled through heavy brush and arundo, a type of thick grass found in the river bottom, to contain the blaze. According to Andrew Dowd, spokesperson for the Ventura County Fire Department, “Because of the size, it will be a long night of hard work to get the heat out of certain portions of this fire.”
Progress Report
By 10:50 p.m., officials announced that forward progress on the Auto Fire had been “significantly slowed.” The fire’s footprint was estimated at 30 to 50 acres, with more precise mapping to follow.
No injuries or structural damage were reported, and firefighters planned to remain on the scene overnight to monitor for flare-ups and fully extinguish remaining hot spots.
Santa Ana Winds Fuel Fire Risk
The fire in Ventura County comes amid a period of Santa Ana winds, known for their dry, gusty conditions that elevate wildfire danger. Winds in the region were reported at 20 to 30 mph, with gusts potentially reaching up to 70 mph later in the week.
Residents throughout Southern California are advised to remain vigilant as elevated fire risks persist during these conditions.
A Second Fire in Simi Valley
While crews worked to contain the Auto Fire, another blaze, the Royal Fire, broke out in Simi Valley near Darrah Volunteer Park and the Arroyo Simi Equestrian Center. Reported at 7:48 p.m., this fire also prompted a swift response from local authorities.
Stay Informed
For updates on the Ventura fire, including evacuation zones and containment progress, residents can access resources such as:
As Ventura County faces another round of harsh winds, residents are urged to follow local updates, stay prepared, and adhere to evacuation orders if issued.
