The Auto Fire in Oxnard has burned 61 acres and is 47% contained as of Tuesday (January 14). The fire began on Monday night in the Santa Clara River bottom, located between the River Ridge Golf Club and the Buenaventura Golf Course, south of the 101 Freeway. The Ventura County Fire Department reported that forward progress was stopped shortly before midnight on Monday. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

The fire prompted evacuations for individuals living in a homeless encampment in the river bottom area, though no residential structures were evacuated. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries or structural damage. Firefighters, aided by westerly winds and higher humidity levels, have been working tirelessly to contain the blaze, utilizing helicopters for water drops and heavy equipment to manage the flames.

According to Andrew Dowd, a spokesperson for the Ventura County Fire Department, the fire's location within the river bottom meant it did not threaten any structures. The Ventura County Sheriff's Office issued an evacuation order for the area between the 101 Freeway and Victoria Avenue, which has since been rescinded.

Dowd advised residents to sign up for VC Alert and to have a ready, set, go plan in place due to ongoing Santa Ana winds, which could lead to more fires in Southern California.

Fire crews remain on scene to mop up hotspots and reinforce control lines. The fire coincides with warnings about Santa Ana winds, which have the potential to spark additional fires in the region.

Bill Handel