Wind-driven brush fire in Ventura County explodes to more than 2,000 acres, triggers evacuations

SOMIS, Calif. (KABC) -- A wind-driven brush fire charred more than 2,000 acres in Ventura County Saturday and prompted evacuation orders for some residents as firefighters raced to stop the spread.

The South Fire first began around 9:30 a.m. near the top of the ridgeline on South Mountain in the Somis area, according to a county incident report. Initial reports estimated the blaze at around 4 acres, but it quickly spread to hundreds of acres within hours.

The Ventura County Fire Department said just after 6 p.m. that the fire's size had grown to 2,444 acres with 0% containment.

With gusty winds likely fueling the flames, crews attacked the fire from both the air and ground.

Evacuation orders were issued for the following areas, according to the county sheriff's department.

South Mountain - south side foothills

- North: East La Loma Avenue and West La Loma Avenue

- South: East Los Angeles Avenue

- East: Aggen Road

- West: La Vista Avenue

Saticoy Country Club Area

- North: Santa Clara River

- South and West: W. Los Angeles Avenue

- East: La Vista Avenue

Andrew Dowd, a spokesman for the Ventura County Fire Department, said the fire continues to push down the north side of South Mountain. He added that crews will be battling the fire throughout the evening.

"Although the weather has lightened and the winds have lightened up here, we do expect crews to continue battling this blaze all throughout the evening with hand crews, engine companies, dozers and helicopters with night vision goggles in place to help us suppress this fire," Dowd said.

An evacuation warning was also issued for the Mission Rock Road area off Highway 126 at Briggs Road, according to the fire department.

The cause of the fire is not known.