Auto Fire in Ventura County: Crews reach significant progress in firefight
VENTURA, Calif. - Crews have made significant progress against the Auto Fire that broke out in Ventura County earlier this week.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Auto Fire in Ventura County prompts school closures
The Auto Fire was first reported around 7:15 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 13. The fire was spotted along the Santa Clara River near Ventura Boulevard and Auto Center Drive in Ventura, close to Buenaventura Golf Course and River Ridge Golf Club.

Last updated on Jan. 14, 2025, at 4 a.m. PT
In the latest update provided by fire officials, the fire had burned 61 acres and was 85% contained.
"Firefighters continued mopping up hot spots within the fire with the support of enhanced IR mapping from our UAS / Drone pilots. Crews also surveyed and monitored control lines around the fire perimeter to ensure containment features were holding," the Ventura County Fire Department wrote in an update posted to social media.
An evacuation order is in place for the Santa Clara River between the 101 Freeway and Victoria Avenue. No residential structures are under evacuation, according to the Ventura County Emergency Services.
No structures were threatened.
School Closures
While the fire prompted school closures, all schools were expected to operate as regularly scheduled beginning Thursday, Jan. 16.
All fire-related closures in Ventura County is available at vcoe.org.
Road Closures
- Victoria Avenue between Gonzalez Road and Olivas Park Drive
The fire comes in the wake of officials warning Angelenos to brace for this week's Santa Ana winds. The return of the strong winds will mean that fires may once again spark across parts of Southern California.
While winds aren't expected to be as bad as last week, which ended up contributing to the spread of the Palisades and Eaton fires, parts of Southern California may see gusts up to 70 mph at some point this week.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.