Winds push for more wild fires in the Ventura country, California. Image: Abc7.
(The Post News)– A new wildfire, dubbed the “Auto Fire,” has broken out in Oxnard, California, a city in Ventura County near Los Angeles (LA). The fire ignited late Monday night in a dry riverbed, approximately 90 kilometres northwest of LA, and continues to burn across the county’s agricultural areas.
This new blaze comes as firefighters are already working tirelessly to contain other significant fires in the LA area. The timing is particularly concerning as forecasts predict the arrival of strong winds over the next 24 hours, threatening to exacerbate the situation.
The Auto Fire originated in the Santa Clara River bottom near North Ventura Boulevard and Auto Center Drive. While progress on containing the fire was reported to be “significantly slowed” by 10:50 p.m. local time on Monday, according to Andrew Dowd, a spokesperson for the Ventura County Fire Department, the potential for further spread remains a serious concern.
Officials are currently looking into the cause of the fire. This new incident adds to the already challenging situation in Southern California, where large fires have destroyed thousands of homes and tragically resulted in at least 24 deaths in the past week.
Strong winds, as predicted by the National Weather Service, began picking up early Tuesday and are expected to persist through midday Wednesday. The weather service has issued a warning that Tuesday will be “particularly dangerous,” with potential wind gusts reaching up to 105 km/h. While these winds are not expected to reach the hurricane force seen last week, they still pose a significant threat to firefighting efforts and could potentially ground aircraft being used in the operation.
Fire officials are urging residents in high-risk areas to exercise extreme caution and prioritise safety. Instead of waiting for formal evacuation orders, residents are advised to evacuate immediately if they sense danger. This proactive approach aims to prevent a repeat of last week’s chaotic evacuations, which were complicated by the rapid spread of the fires.
The region is still grappling with the aftermath of several large fires that erupted last week, fuelled by hurricane-force winds and extremely dry conditions. The Eaton Fire near Pasadena is approximately one-third contained, while the Palisades Fire, the largest of the ongoing blazes, has consumed nearly 24,000 acres and remains significantly less contained. The fires have already caused substantial damage, including the destruction of the Altadena Community Church by the Eaton Fire.
In response to the renewed threat, authorities have bolstered their firefighting resources. On Monday, planes were deployed to douse homes and hillsides with fire retardant, while fire crews and engines were strategically positioned near vulnerable areas with dry brush. Dozens of water trucks were also brought in to replenish supplies after hydrants ran dry during last week’s fires. Firefighters from across the United States, Canada, and Mexico have been brought in to assist local crews.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and other officials, who faced criticism for their initial response to last week’s fires, have expressed confidence in the region’s preparedness for the coming winds. LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone emphasized the improvements made since last week, stating, “We’re absolutely better prepared.” The additional resources and proactive approach are intended to mitigate the impact of the expected winds and prevent further escalation of the wildfires. The region has not seen rain in over eight months, creating extremely dry conditions that contribute to the fire danger.
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