Firefighters Battle New Blaze in Oxnard’s Riverbed as Evacuations Ordered
Crews are working to contain a new fire that broke out Monday evening in Oxnard, Southern California. Known as the Auto Fire, flames were first spotted near the River Ridge Golf Course around 8 p.m., quickly spreading through the area.
An evacuation order was issued shortly after 9 p.m. for Zone 1, covering the Santa Clara River area between Ventura Road and Victoria Avenue. While no homes are currently at risk, officials warned that the fire presents an “immediate threat to life.” Ventura County spokesperson Andrew Dowd urged anyone near the river bottom to leave immediately for safety.
“This is a lawful order to LEAVE NOW,” officials emphasized in an alert.
As of now, the fire remains confined to the riverbed and is not threatening structures. However, Victoria Avenue has been shut down between Gonzales Road and Olivas Park Drive to allow crews to work safely. Drivers are being asked to avoid the area and use alternate routes.
The blaze was first reported around 7:15 p.m. near Ventura Road and Auto Center Drive, according to the California Highway Patrol. Within hours, it had grown to approximately 5 acres, fueled by moderate vegetation and spreading at a steady pace.
Speaking live to KTLA at 10 p.m., Dowd shared some encouraging news. “Our firefighters are making incredible progress,” he said. “The forward progress of this fire has slowed significantly, and we’re expecting to have it fully stopped very soon.”
Currently, about 75 firefighters from Ventura County and Oxnard Fire Departments are tackling the blaze, aided by additional engines and a bulldozer brought in after the fire was upgraded to a first alarm response.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, with teams already working on-site to gather information.
This is a developing story, and more updates will follow as the situation evolves.
