Ventura County firefighters were fighting two brush fires Monday night, a warning from forecasters that would bring elevated fire conditions this week.
The high fire, the larger fires blackened about 40 acres and burned steep terrain south of Piru, an uncompiled town around the Santa Clara River. The helicopter was on the scene on Monday night and fell on the flames.
The Ventura County Fire Department said air tankers and other helicopters were summoned to help, with 140 firefighters “on the scene or on the way.”
The Howe fire was near Tory Canyon and East Gibleson Road south of the river at about 6:20 pm on Monday. County officials said mild winds were expected to emit smoke eastward.
About 16 miles southwest, firefighters also burned the Maria fire on Monday night along the riverbed south of Santa Paula.
The Maria Fire burned about 15 acres, about 140 firefighters were involved in the battle, and three helicopters and a bulldozer.
The fire was first reported at around 3:20 pm and was initially reported on 5 acres. Firefighters announced the fire at 7 p.m. but said crew members would continue to clean up until evening.
Oxnard’s National Weather Service Office warns that fire weather conditions across the southern part of Southern California this week are rising – which could become critical in a short period of time
Temperatures in downtown Los Angeles could reach 89 degrees Tuesday, 90 degrees in Anaheim, 97 degrees in Riverside and Ontario, 100 in San Bernardino, 101 in Palmdale, 101 in Woodland Hills and 103 in Santa Clarita. Similar temperatures are expected to continue on Wednesday.
The forecaster warned that “the risk of grass fires is increased, with rapid spread due to gusts, hot temperatures and very low humidity.”
Areas focusing on fire include the Ventura County Mountains; the grape area on Interstate 5, which includes Tejon Pass; Antelope Valley and Foothills; Mount St. Initz and Foothills, towards the south coast of Santa Barbara County. and the Indoor Valley of San Luis Obispo County.
In the next few days, officials ordered 30 to 40% chances of dangerous fire weather warnings in the Vine Area and St. Innes Mountains.
