Auto Fire in Ventura County prompts school closures

Crews have stopped forward progress on a fire that broke out in Ventura County on Monday.

The Auto Fire was first reported around 7:15 p.m. on January 13. The fire was spotted along the Santa Clara River near Ventura Boulevard and Auto Center Drive in Ventura, California, close to Buenaventura Golf Course and River Ridge Golf Club.

Last updated on Jan. 14, 2025, at 4 a.m. PT

As of 6 p.m. on Tuesday, the fire had burned 61 acres and is 47% contained. 

Firefighters were able to confine the fire to the river bottom. Westerly winds and higher humidity levels helped firefighters increase containment percentages and reinforce control lines. Crews remain on scene mopping up hotspots.

An evacuation order is in place for the Santa Clara River between the 101 Freeway and Victoria Avenue. No residential structures are under evacuation, according to the Ventura County Emergency Services.

No structures were threatened.

School Closures

The following schools will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 14:

  • Madera Elementary School (Simi Valley)
  • Mountain View Elementary School (Simi Valley)
  • Santa Rosa Technology Magnet School (Camarillo)

All fire-related closures in Ventura County is available at vcoe.org.

Road Closures

  • Victoria Avenue between Gonzalez Road and Olivas Park Drive

The fire comes in the wake of officials warning Angelenos to brace for this week's Santa Ana winds. The return of the strong winds will mean that fires may once again spark across parts of Southern California.

While winds aren't expected to be as bad as last week, which ended up contributing to the spread of the Palisades and Eaton fires, parts of Southern California may see gusts up to 70 mph at some point this week.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The Source: This report used information provided by the Ventura County Sheriff's Office and previous FOX 11 reports.

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