Fast-Moving Brush Fire Threatens CSU Channel Islands Campus

CAMARILLO, Calif. — A fast-moving brush fire erupted near California State University Channel Islands on Thursday morning, prompting evacuations and road closures as firefighters battled the flames amid red flag conditions.

The Laguna Fire broke out around 8:35 a.m. on the hills west of the university campus, near Hueneme and Laguna roads. By 9:30 a.m., the blaze had grown to approximately 15 acres, spreading rapidly toward Potrero Road and threatening nearby structures.

“Firefighters are aggressively attacking the fire from the air and ground with additional resources assessing and mitigating any potential structure threats in the immediate area,” Ventura County Fire officials said in a social media update. Helicopters were deployed to assist with water drops as ground crews worked to contain the flames.

Authorities issued an evacuation order for CSU Channel Islands and the University Glen community. Potrero Road and Lewis Road south of Pleasant Valley were closed to traffic as emergency responders worked to secure the area.

The fire erupted under red flag conditions, with Santa Ana winds exacerbating the risk of rapid spread. Southern California has faced weeks of heightened fire danger due to the persistent dry, windy weather.

Residents were urged to monitor official channels for updates on evacuations and road closures. No injuries or structural damage had been reported as of Thursday morning.