Ventura County Wildfire Threatens 20 California Homes

Wildfire Threatens 20 California Homes

Tuesday January 23, 2007 7:01 AM

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) - Fire driven by Santa Ana winds spread over 30 acres of brush in steep terrain Monday, threatening 20 homes.

Wind was blowing the fire through hills in a southerly direction a short distance south of U.S. 101, said Ventura County fire Capt. Barry Parker. The blaze, burning in the Thousand Oaks area, was 15 percent contained late Monday.

``The fire is being pushed by mild Santa Ana winds. It's staying within its perimeter so that's a good thing,'' Parker said.

More than 200 firefighters were on the lines and two helicopters made water drops over the area of modern homes, many set in cul de sacs amid hills.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.

The blaze broke out as ``red flag'' warnings were posted for fire danger due to gusty offshore winds and low humidity levels in Ventura County and parts of neighboring Los Angeles County. Santa Anas blow from the interior of the West toward the coast, pushing back the normal flow of moist air off the Pacific.

The Ventura County Fire Department closed its fire season on Jan. 15, citing forecast weather patterns with reduced potential for major wildland fires. Just last week, a storm blew through, delivering rare snow to the nearby Santa Monica Mountains above Malibu.

The closure of fire season involves changes in work schedules and equipment. The department warned, however, that there is year-round fire danger in Southern California.

Thousand Oaks, with a population of 127,000, is about 40 miles west of downtown Los Angeles.

Earlier this month, a wind-driven brush fire roared through an exclusive beachside area in Malibu, destroying five homes including one belonging to Suzanne Somers and damaging six others. Losses have been estimated at $60 million.

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Update from USA Today Ventura County fire

Firefighters gain upper hand on wind-driven wildfire in Southern Calif.

23 Jan 2007 17:14:33 GMT

Firefighters said Tuesday they had gained an upper hand on a brush fire that has burned 30 acres and briefly threatened 20 homes.

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) — Firefighters said Tuesday they had gained an upper hand on a brush fire that has burned 30 acres and briefly threatened 20 homes.
The fire was 15% contained early Tuesday, said Ventura County fire dispatcher Vicki Crabtree.

Steep terrain not accessible by fire engines made battling the blaze, which started Monday, a slow go, but winds had calmed down overnight allowing crews to get a handle on the fire.

They continued to douse hot spots, and there was no timetable for when the fire would be 100% contained, Crabtree said.

The blaze broke out in hills as "red flag" warnings were posted for fire danger due to gusty offshore winds and low humidity levels in Ventura County and parts of neighboring Los Angeles County.

Thousand Oaks, with a population of 127,000, is about 40 miles west of downtown Los Angeles.

More than 200 firefighters were on the lines Monday and two helicopters made water drops over an area of modern homes, many set in cul de sacs amid hills, that were briefly threatened by flames.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.