Solimar Beach Brush Fire 70 Percent Contained, Evacuation Orders Lifted

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The 1,236-acre brush fire that raged on Saturday at Solimar Beach was about 70 percent contained on Sunday morning, and evacuation orders for Solimar Beach residents were lifted.

Firefighters said they battled and contained two small flare-ups overnight.

The fire started at 10:42 p.m. Friday six miles northwest of Ventura, north of the 101 Freeway. Several drivers were caught in the initial blaze.

A downed private power line is believed to have started the blaze with help from strong winds, Ventura County Fire Chief Mike Lorenzen said.

About 600 firefighters responded to the scene on Saturday.

Officials said no homes were immediately being threatened, although evacuations were still in place in Solimar Beach and area campgrounds.

Emma Wood State Camp remains closed, Lorenzen said.
The Ventura County Office of Emergency Services said all evacuation orders are expected to be lifted at 5 p.m. today.

The 101 Freeway was shut down for hours in both directions between state highways 33 and 150. The northbound lanes re-opened around 1:45 p.m. today, and the southbound lanes re-opened about 20 minutes later.

Pacific Coast Highway is closed between the State Beaches and Seacliff off-ramps, and is expected to re-open by 5 p.m.

The Orange County Fire Authority also sent a strike team consisting of 18 firefighters to help battle the fire, said OCFA Capt. Larry Kurtz.

The Ventura County Fire Department reported two minor injuries to firefighters, one an ankle injury and the other an injury to a knee.

A Red Cross shelter was set up at the Carpinteria Veteran Memorial, 941 Walnut Ave., Carpinteria.

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