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Fire Crews Battle Brush Fire Near 118 Freeway In Moorpark

MOORPARK (CBSLA.com) — Fire crews on Sunday said they had fully contained a brush fire that broke out Saturday afternoon near the 118 Freeway in Moorpark.

The Ventura County Fire Department responded to the fire, near the corner of the 118 Freeway and Princeton Ave., shortly after 2 p.m.

The fire was first reported at six acres at around 2:30 p.m. Shortly before 3 p.m., authorities said the fire had grown to 40-50 acres, stoked by strong winds.

Aerial fire crews were dropping water and flame retardant on the blaze at around 3 p.m.

The Fire Department said structures were threatened.

By 4 p.m., fire crews told CBS2's Greg Mills the threat was abated.

The wind died down and aided firefighters.

Earlier, some residents acknowledged they were a little concerned that the fire appeared to be nearing.

"We realized it was too close for comfort and we started packing bags," said Adam Markland.

A nearby mobile home park was threatened briefly.

Some residents there said they were used to being in the danger zone.

Monica Steele told Mills this was the fifth time her family has dealt with fires coming too close.

"I am horribly afraid of wildfires so I immediately started freaking out," said Steele, "plus we came out and saw how close it was and i started freaking out some more. "
Mills said she need not have freaked out. Firefighters said they had the blaze well in hand and fought it from the land and air. And they mobilized lots of forces to help out.
CalFire had two of their MD87 air tankers dropping fire retardant on the edge of the fire to keep it from spreading. They also employed a couple of super scoopers from Canada to drop water.
Mills reported that helicopters from Los Angeles and Ventura Counties also dropped water.

 

 

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