About 100 acres of Ventura County are burning from two fires that began Monday, with the large flames being largely under control, but growing small without containment.
The small fire, the Howe Fire near East Gibberson Road, just south of the Tory Canyon and the Santa Clara River, grew overnight to 34 acres of zero containment as of 10am, according to the Ventura County Fire Department.
The vegetation flame was first reported Monday at 6:20pm, and was about 4-5 acres at the time.
An evacuation warning was issued in the area south of East Giverson Road between Smith Canyon Road and Eureka Canyon Road. Access to East Guyberson Road from Tory Canyon East to Eureka Canyon was closed along with Tory Road from 126 Freeway to East Guyberson.
Approximately 152 firefighters, 13 engines, one water tanker, five crew members and other personnel are assigned to the flames. According to Cal Fire, there are also several firefighter air tankers from across the state-wide flight control mission, as conditions allow.
Firefighters limit fires to less than 40 acres despite their sturdy, hilly terrain.
According to a Ventura County Fire Department spokesperson, firefighters plan to place dozers and handlines around the fire boundary and work all day long to identify and mop up hot spots.
The conditions are warm and dry, with temperatures in the pill area on Tuesday at around 93 degrees and wind blowing at 13 mph. In neighboring Santa Paula, the climate was a bit milder, with 86 degrees and 12 mph winds.
The Maria Fire about 18 miles west of Howe has grown to about 60 acres, but it includes 60% as of 10am, according to the Ventura County Fire Department.
The fire on that brush began Monday before 3:30pm near South Parm Street and East Santa Maria Street in Santa Paula.
Within 90 minutes, 130 firefighters, supported by two helicopters, were on the scene, and a third helicopter soon reached the fire.
The crew successfully saved the structures of four endangered species.
Ventura County Fire Department spokesperson Andrew Dowd revealed earlier misstatements that the fire was declared “included” at 6:56pm Monday.
Instead, Dowd stated that the flames were simply “confined.” That is, it was not expected that the fire advance would halt and jump the boundary established by the crew.
Approximately 30 members of the firefighter were working to reinforce the disappearance of hotspots and boundaries.
The causes of both fires are under investigation.
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