Incident Update Apache Fire

Date:
07/28/2024
Time:
7:50 PM

Incident Facts

Name
Apache Fire
Start Date/Time
2024-07-23
Incident Status
Active
Location
Maricopa Highway and Brubaker Canyon Road, south of Cuyama
Type
Wildfire
Cause
Under Investigation
Counties
Ventura
Administration Unit
Los Padres National Forest
Unified Command Agency(s)
Size
1,538
Containment
59%
Structures Threatened
5
Structures Destroyed
Structures Damaged
Civilian Injuries
Firefighter Injuries
Civilian Fatalities
Firefighter Fatalities

Current Situation

Situation Summary

Containment of the Apache fire is increasing rapidly and no further growth is expected. Today firefighters are continuing to seek out and extinguish hot spots that could potentially carry heat under the fireline and reignite the fire. Deep pits of smoldering vegetation and root systems, known to firefighters as ash pits can burn for three or four days before dying out. These smoldering fires can burn underground in root systems and resurface on the unburned side of the fireline. Much like quicksand, these pits are difficult to recognize on the surface and pose a serious hazard for crews working the line.

Crews have also started suppression repair on the few contingency dozer lines constructed before forward progress of the fire was stopped.

The fire is burning adjacent to Maricopa Highway (CA-33). The highway remains open. Motorists are encouraged be alert for firefighters and equipment in the area. Please check Caltrans road conditions at https://roads.dot.ca.gov/  prior to driving through the area.  

Forecast for Saturday: Temperatures will be lower over the next three days with highs in the fire area ranging from 90-95 degrees. Relative humidity will remain low at 15-25%. And winds will be out of the northwest 5-10 mph with gusts of 18-20 mph.

For evacuation updates please visit: https://www.vcemergency.com

Evacuation Zones

Evacuation Information:

Evacuation Orders

The Evacuation Orders for Apache Canyon, Burgess Canyon and Quail Springs was reduced to an Evacuation Warning

For evacuation updates please visit: https://www.vcemergency.com

Evacuation Warnings

The Evacuation Warning for Corral Canyon, Round Springs Canyon and Castle Canyon was lifted.

 

Evacuation Areas

Current Apache Fire evacuation information can be found at https://www.vcemergency.com/

The status of evacuations may change during the day. Ventura County residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications at https://local.nixle.com/register/