Wildfire Threatens 20 California Homes
Pastor Dale Morgan
Wildfire Threatens 20 California Homes*
Tuesday January 23, 2007 7:01 AM
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) -A wild Fire driven by Santa Ana winds spread
over 30 acres of brush in steep terrain Monday, threatening 20 homes.
Wind was blowing the fire through hills in a southerly direction a short
distance south of U.S. 101, said Ventura County fire Capt. Barry Parker.
The blaze, burning in the Thousand Oaks area, was 15 percent contained
late Monday.
``The fire is being pushed by mild Santa Ana winds. It's staying within
its perimeter so that's a good thing,'' Parker said.
More than 200 firefighters were on the lines and two helicopters made
water drops over the area of modern homes, many set in cul de sacs amid
hills.
The cause of the fire was under investigation.
The blaze broke out as ``red flag'' warnings were posted for fire danger
due to gusty offshore winds and low humidity levels in Ventura County
and parts of neighboring Los Angeles County. Santa Anas blow from the
interior of the West toward the coast, pushing back the normal flow of
moist air off the Pacific.
The Ventura County Fire Department closed its fire season on Jan. 15,
citing forecast weather patterns with reduced potential for major
wildland fires. Just last week, a storm blew through, delivering rare
snow to the nearby Santa Monica Mountains above Malibu.
The closure of fire season involves changes in work schedules and
equipment. The department warned, however, that there is year-round fire
danger in Southern California.
Thousand Oaks, with a population of 127,000, is about 40 miles west of
downtown Los Angeles.
Earlier this month, a wind-driven brush fire roared through an exclusive
beachside area in Malibu, destroying five homes including one belonging
to Suzanne Somers and damaging six others. Losses have been estimated at
$60 million.