Easy Fire: 972 Acres Burned; Evacuation Orders Spread In Ventura County – LAist
A fast-moving wildfire is burning in Ventura County, threatening thousands of homes and prompting mandatory evacuations in the communities of Simi Valley, Moorpark and Thousand Oaks Wednesday morning.
The Easy Fire was reported around 6:15 a.m. south of the 118 Freeway near Madera and Easy streets. By 10 a.m., roughly 1,300 acres had burned and the blaze was rapidly spreading west toward the 23 Freeway and south toward Thousand Oaks, Ventura County fire officials said.
Flames were also seen creeping dangerously close to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.
“We have a plan in place for contingency resources in the event the fire were to jump the Highway 23 corridor into the Sunset Hills area,” Ventura County Fire Department Chief Chad Cook said in a Twitter video.
Jump to: Evacuations | Closures | Weather Conditions | Additional Resources
THE BASICS
- Acres burned: 1,300
- Containment: 0%
- Injuries: None yet reported
- Structures threatened: 6,500 homes
- Resources deployed: About 800 personnel across multiple agencies, including 14 hand crews, ninew helicopters, eight air tankers and 22 bulldozers
The fire broke out amid an “extreme red flag warning” as strong Santa Ana winds and dry conditions create a critical risk for similar fires through 6 p.m. Thursday.
Winds in the area of the Easy Fire are expected to reach 40-50 mph today, with gusts up to 60 mph in the ridgetops, according to National Weather Service forecasters.
RELATED: California Fires Are Getting Worse. What’s Going On?
Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued in the following areas, according to Ventura County officials:
In Simi Valley / Unincorporated Simi Valley / Moorpark / Thousand Oaks:
- Tierra Rejada to the north
- Olsen / Madera Street to the south
- Madera Street to the east
- Highway 23 to the west
In Moorpark / Thousand Oaks:
- Read Road to the north
- Olsen Road to the south
- Highway 23 to the east
- Moorpark Road to the west
In Santa Rosa / Thousand Oaks:
- Santa Rosa Road to the north
- Moorpark Road to the east
- Andalusia Drive to the west
Voluntary evacuation orders have been issued for the following areas:
In Moorpark / Thousand Oaks:
- Tierra Rejada Road to the north
- Santa Rosa Road to the south
- Moorpark Road to the east
- Vista Grande to the west
In Thousand Oaks:
- East Olsen Road to the north
- Sunset Hills Boulevard to the south
- Morning Ridge Avenue to the east
- Sunset Hills/East Olsen Road to the west
A detailed map of the evacuation areas is available here.
EVACUATION CENTERS
For people:
- Thousand Oaks Community Center, 2525 N. Moorpark Road
For animals:
- Large animals – Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Blvd.
- Small animals – Camarillo Adoption Center, 600 Aviation Drive
GET THE BEST OF LAIST IN YOUR INBOX
Sign up for our daily newsletter to receive the latest on local politics, food, culture and the absurdities of L.A. life.
Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
A few roadways are closed in the area, according to California Hghway Patrol officials:
- The 23 Freeway in both directions at Avenida de los Arboles and Los Angeles Avenue
- Moorpark Road at Tierra Rejada Road
- Santa Rosa Road at Moorpark Road
SCHOOL CLOSURES
Many schools in the area had already been pre-emptively closed Wednesday in antipation of high winds and the risk of power outages through the area. The full list of closures can be viewed here.
The following colleges are also closed Wednesday:
SCENES FROM THE GROUND
HOW WE’RE REPORTING ON THIS
Reporter Jacob Margolis is with firefighters near the burn zone in the Simi Valley / Thousand Oaks area. Digital producer Ryan Fonseca is keeping this story updated. Additional research and reporting is being done by KPCC newscast producers.
For the latest information straight from local emergency officials, check the following websites and social media accounts:
FIRE RESOURCES
- Every Day Is Fire Season. Here’s How Angelenos Can Prepare Right Now
- How To Find Out About Fire Evacuations In Your Area
- How To Keep Yourself Safe From Wildfire Smoke
- The Air Is Brown — Should I Wear A Mask?
- This Is Why Fire Officials Don’t Want You To Stay And Defend Your Home
- What Does ‘Containment’ Of A Fire Mean, Exactly?
- What Does A ‘Red Flag Warning’ Mean, Exactly?
- What To Do — And Not Do — When You Get Home After A Wildfire
- How To Avoid Getting Towed During LA’s Red Flag Parking Restrictions
- If You Want To Help Fire Victims, Resist The Urge To Volunteer
NOTE: This developing story will be updated frequently.
YOUR QUESTIONS OR IDEAS
About Us
Free Shipping
If your order is $35 or more, you may qualify for free shipping. With free shipping, your order will be delivered 5-8 business days.
