Brush Fire Near Camarillo Triggers Evacuations and Road Closures in Ventura County

A significant brush fire is currently raging in Ventura County, near the city of Camarillo, prompting evacuations and road closures in the affected areas. The fire, located on South Mountain near the 7900 block of Balcom Canyon Road and Bradley Road, has already spread to cover approximately 248 acres as of the latest reports.

According to the Ventura County Fire Department, the fire has triggered immediate evacuation orders for several areas, including the region from North Highway 118 to the ridgeline, west of the Saticoy Country Club, and from Saticoy Country Club to Balcom Canyon Road. A temporary evacuation point has been established at Padre Serra Parish at 5205 Upland Road in Camarillo.

The fire response is being complicated by strong winds, which are part of a larger Santa Ana wind event forecasted to impact the area through Friday, November 8. A Red Flag Warning is in effect for all of Ventura County and southern portions of Santa Barbara until Thursday, November 7.

As of now, 140 firefighters, 58 fire response ground platforms, and air assets are engaged in battling the fire. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department and other emergency services are closely monitoring the situation and have set up a hotline for those with questions at 805-465-6650.

The fire’s proximity to homes and the challenging wind conditions have made the situation particularly hazardous, with large plumes of smoke visible near the 118 Freeway. This is an evolving emergency, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.