The Solimar Fire, which started Friday and exploded when overnight 50 mph winds turned it into a 1,236 acre blaze that caused the closure of highway 101, was 60% contained by 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Highway 101 was closed Saturday until 2 p.m. PST.
Roughly 600 Ventura County firefighters were fighting the blaze at one time or another, whether from the air or the ground; two minor injuries were reported. KSBY reported that crews from Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties aided firefighting efforts, with the help of a helicopter from Santa Barbara County, and two bulldozers from San Luis Obispo County.
Ventura Fire Chief Fred Burris said on Saturday morning that only 10% of the fire had been contained, but assiduous work by the firefighters made a huge bent in the fire’s progress.
The Ventura County Fire Department reported that the fire was initiated when private power lines fell on an oil lease property.
Roughly 100 homes were evacuated initially, but residents were allowed to return by Saturday afternoon. The Department stated on Facebook that Emma Wood State Beach would remain closed as firefighters were still working there.
Ventura Fire Chief Fred Burris said the soonest the fire would be under complete control would be Tuesday.