Ventura County firefighters battle wind-fueled blazes

Ventura County fire personnel on Saturday were battling a 50-acre brush fire south of Thousand Oaks.

The Potrero fire, near Trentwood Drive and Potrero Road, was 80% contained as of 6:20 p.m., according to the Ventura County Fire Department. No evacuations were ordered.

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The blaze broke out during the morning amid dry, windy conditions. Multiple agencies responded with firefighters and air support.

“We have additional crews heading out to the line right now. I think they’ll be working on it overnight,” Ventura County Fire Department Capt. Mike Lindberry said Saturday night.

The National Weather Service warned of Santa Ana winds Saturday in some locations, with gusts topping 50 mph.

Near Moorpark, Ventura County fire personnel also battled a 44-acre brush fire off the 118 Freeway that broke out Saturday afternoon.

Structures were briefly threatened, the fire department said, and residents were urged to shelter in place. But no evacuations were ordered and the fire was contained a short time later.

Like the Thousand Oaks fire, the Princeton fire was being pushed by the hot Santa Ana winds.

Ventura officials had the help of 180 firefighters and air support to battle the blaze, which was visible from the 118.

Read more about California wildfires >>

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