Brush fire near Santa Paula grows to 152 acres; voluntary evacuation orders issued

SANTA PAULA, Calif. (KABC) -- A brush fire that broke out in an unincorporated area of Ventura County near Santa Paula Monday has grown to 152 acres, prompting voluntary evacuations.

The fire broke out near the Santa Clara River bottom at about 1 p.m., according to Ventura County Fire Department Capt. Mike Lindbery.

Nearby structures have been protected, but voluntary evacuation orders have been issued for the area west of the 12th Street Bridge, east of Toland Road, north of Highway 126 and south of S. Mountain Road. A temporary shelter has been set up at the Santa Paula Community Center at 530 W. Main Street in Santa Paula.

S. Mountain Road is closed between Balcom Canyon Road and 12th Street, 10th Street is closed at Santa Maria Street, Palm Avenue is closed at Santa Maria Street, and Peck Road is closed at Acacia Way. The cause of the fire is under investigation.