Evacuation Order Issued for Ventura County Fire

A brush fire, known as the Auto Fire, broke out around 7:15 p.m. on Monday in the Santa Clara Riverbed near Oxnard, California, quickly spreading to approximately 5 acres. Fire officials have issued an evacuation order for residents in the vicinity, specifically along the Santa Clara River between Ventura Road and Victoria Avenue, urging immediate evacuation due to an 'immediate threat to life.' Approximately 75 firefighters from the Ventura County and Oxnard Fire departments are actively battling the blaze, which is currently confined to the riverbed and poses no immediate threat to residential structures. As of 9:30 p.m., Victoria Avenue was closed between Gonzales Road and Olivas Park Drive, with authorities advising drivers to avoid the area. The fire's rapid spread is concerning given the forecast of strengthening Santa Ana winds, with gusts potentially reaching up to 70 mph in the coming days. Investigators are on the scene working to determine the fire's cause, which has not yet been announced.