Southern California Battles Twin Brush Fires Amid Santa Ana Winds

OXNARD, Calif. — Firefighters battled two fast-moving brush fires in Southern California on Monday night, with one blaze threatening a golf course and another erupting near a Simi Valley equestrian center as Santa Ana winds fueled the flames.

The first fire, dubbed the Auto Fire, ignited in the Santa Clara River bottom near Ventura Road and Auto Center Drive around 6:50 p.m. By 8 p.m., the blaze had grown to 5 acres, spreading toward the River Ridge Golf Course in Oxnard. Approximately 75 firefighters from the Ventura County Fire and Oxnard Fire departments responded, supported by helicopters making water drops.

“The fire is in medium fuels with a moderate rate of spread,” Ventura County Fire officials said in a social media update. By 9 p.m., the fire was upgraded to a first-alarm brush response, bringing in five additional engines and a bulldozer. A helicopter from Los Angeles County was also dispatched to assist.

Meanwhile, a second fire, named the Royal Fire, broke out in Simi Valley at 7:48 p.m. near Darrah Volunteer Park and the Arroyo Simi Equestrian Center. Details on the size and containment of this fire were not immediately available.

Santa Ana winds, known for their dry, gusty conditions, were reported in the region, exacerbating the fire risk. The National Weather Service had previously issued warnings about elevated fire danger due to the winds.

This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.