Great Horned Owl Found Suffering From Smoke Inhalation In Maria Fire Burn Area

SOMIS (CBSLA) — Who is seeing signs of life even as the Maria Fire burns in Ventura County? These firefighters, who found a great horned owl stuck in tree branches and suffering from smoke inhalation.

The owl was found Saturday in Somis on the ground, stuck in tree branches in a wash. The owl was weak and confused and suffering from smoke inhalation.

The owl was wrapped in a firefighter's jacket before being taken to the Camarillo Wildlife Rehabilitation for monitoring.

Firefighters say the owl is already on the mend.

The Maria Fire, which broke out on Halloween in the agricultural community of Santa Paula, has burned 9,412 acres and destroyed two structures, but weaker winds have helped firefighters reach 80 percent containment on the blaze. Full containment on the fire is expected Friday.