Maria Fire In Ventura County Burns More Than 5K Acres In Halloween Night

The Maria fire is burning south of Santa Paula in Ventura County. The fast-moving fire has burned 5,000 acres and is threatening parts of Somis, an agricultural community.

A fast-moving fire that broke out on Halloween night in Ventura County has prompted mandatory evacuations near Santa Paula and Somis. The Maria Fire started just after 6 p.m. on South Mountain and exploded to 5,000 acres by 9:30 p.m., with authorities warning that the fire was spreading rapidly. It was 0% contained as of late Thursday.

The battle against the fire is attempting to box it in south of the 126 Freeway, north of the 118 Freeway, East of Vineyard Avenue and west of Balcom Canyon Road. Three helicopters are doing water drops and 250 firefighters are on the ground are in place to aid in protecting structures.  More than 30 fire engines and two bulldozers are also on the scene.

Mandatory evacuation orders are in place for the area south of South Mountain Road and north of Highway 118, from West Los Angeles Avenue east to Balcom Canyon Road. That covers more than 7,000 residents.

Firefighters were attempting to keep the flames boxed in south of the 126 Freeway, north of the 118 Freeway, East of Vineyard Avenue and west of Balcom Canyon Road. Firefighters were working to stay between the advancing fire and homes on both the Somis side, to the south, as well as the Santa Paula side, to the north, Ventura County Fire Department Capt. Steve Kaufmann said.

Mandatory Evacuations:

- North of Highway 118
- South of South Mountain Road
- East of West Los Angeles Avenue
- West of Balcom County Road

Evacuation Centers:

- Camarillo Community Center, 1605 Burnley St.
- Camarillo Animal Shelter, 600 Aviation Drive — Small animals
- Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Blvd. — Large animals
- Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real. — Large animals

Road Closures:

- South Mountain Road between 12th Street and Balcom Canyon
- Berylwood Road at Aggen Road
- West La Loma Road, between Center Road and Walnut Avenue
- Price Road at East Los Angeles Avenue (Highway 118)
- Clubhouse Drive at East Los Angeles Avenue (Highway 118)

Late on Thursday, the Santa Paula Unified School District and the Mesa Union School District announced that all schools will be closed on Friday.