Man arrested for arson in Ventura foothills brush fire

VENTURA, Calif. (KABC) -- An unidentified man has been arrested in connection with the foothill fire that erupted in Ventura on Monday.

Officials said investigators detained the suspect in the area of the fire shortly after it broke out at about 1:45 p.m. Monday, and later arrested him on suspicion of arson.

The fire charred less than 50 acres and was 100 percent contained by Tuesday morning. Foothill Road, which was partially closed during the blaze, was reopened.

Officials said they expected to have the blaze fully controlled by 7 p.m.

They said no structures were damaged but that one firefighter suffered a minor injury to his hand.

Ventura Missionary School was evacuated during the blaze so firefighters could use the campus as a staging area.

Additionally, some large animals in the area were also evacuated and taken to the Ventura County Fairgrounds.

More than 150 Ventura County firefighters attacked the fire using ground hoses, helicopters and tankers.