By Gregory W. Griggs
Los Angeles Times
Copyright 2006 Los Angeles Times
All Rights Reserved
The 3-week-old Day fire, after a relatively quiet spell, regained momentum late Monday afternoon and jumped a line on its northwest perimeter, prompting a recommended evacuation for about 500 residents in the Lockwood Valley area of northern Ventura County.
Officials said that by 7 p.m. part of the blaze had reached a peak in a remote area about 1 1/2 miles from Lockwood Valley, south of the Kern County line. "The fire made a significant advance," said Rod Torres, an inspector with the Ventura County Fire Department.
Forty-five fire engines were dispatched to protect structures in the community, authorities said.
The wildfire, which has cost local agencies more than $36 million, has burned about 140,000 acres. Earlier in the day it was estimated to be 41% contained, but Torres said that figure probably will be revised downward because of the new problems on the northwest perimeter.
Two firefighters suffered minor injuries Monday, but no residences were damaged.
About 150 people gathered at the Santa Paula Community Center on Monday night for an update from fire and law enforcement officials.
They were told that improved weather conditions had permitted California 150 to be reopened Monday between Santa Paula and Ojai.
Also, a voluntary evacuation of residents living along California 150 was lifted as of 6 p.m. Still, officials warned that the fire could continue burning into December, and that thick smoke is likely to persist well into October.
Authorities also explained that they were hampered in early efforts to contain the fire, which began on Labor Day, because of the tough terrain in Los Padres National Forest.
"It is one of the most rugged areas of property in the national forest system. It is even more rugged than some of the wilderness of the Sierras," said John Bridgwater, a ranger with the Ojai district of the forest.
The National Weather Service said temperatures in the fire zone should remain in the 70s through Friday, with normal winds expected to gust to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoons.
"We're not expecting a return of the Santa Ana winds any time in the foreseeable future," which should help keep the fire from spreading, meteorologist Mike Wofford said. Humidity is expected to stay below 20%.
The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District's smoke and particulate advisory remains in effect today for northern Ventura County. Elderly residents, young children and people with respiratory problems are advised to remain indoors.
In the meantime, Thomas Aquinas College, a private institution near Santa Paula, remained closed Monday after a voluntary evacuation was ordered over the weekend. The college is expected to reopen today.
For information on other schools, check the Ojai school district's web page at .
