California Wildfires Update: Maria Fire Began Near Power Line, Evacuations Continue In Ventura County

Mandatory evacuations continued Saturday morning in Southern California from the Maria Fire with nearly 11,000 people affected, according to reports. The cities of Eastern Ventura, Camarillo, Somis and Santa Paula were at risk, according to Ventura County fire officials.

Ventura County firefighters reported that 20% of the fire had been contained with 9,412 acres burned through and destroying three structures. The Ventura County Fire Department hopes to get residents back in their homes soon as more than 500 firefighters battle the blazes.

"There was some progress, then a lot of challenges," Ventura County Fire Chief Mark Lorenzen told reporters at a news conference. "We are not out of the woods yet. We still have 24 hours of critical fire weather ahead of us."

The National Weather Service extended its red flag warning until 6 p.m. The winds, which have reached as high as 35 mph, are expected to weaken Saturday night.

Utility company Southern California Edison confirmed Friday that the Maria Fire began in an area near a power line that the company has recently turned back on. While it had recently cut electricity to the circuit to help prevent more fires, roughly 13 minutes after the 16,000-volt unit in question was reenergized, the Maria Fire ignited in the same general area.

“While the exact origin of the Maria Fire is unknown, SCE can confirm that the reported location of the Maria Fire is within its service territory,” Susan Cox, a company spokeswoman, said in a statement.

Igniting on Thursday at 6:14 a.m., the wildfire engulfed 750 acres within hours and by the end of the end had spread to over 8,000. By Friday evening, the fire had forced the evacuation of approximately 10,800 people in Ventura County and spread further to encompass 9,000 acres. According to a recent fire department press conference, around 2,700 structures are endangered by the blaze.

The Maria Fire is the second to erupt in Ventura County this season. On Wednesday, the Easy Fire broke out and spread to 1,800 acres. This was a much smaller blaze and was swiftly brought under control firefighters, who say that the blaze is 80% contained.

Santa Paula, which has a population of about 30,000, is located roughly 65 miles from downtown Los Angeles. The town and area were affected by the Thomas Fire in December 2017.