By Miggy Aguilar and Melisa Rodriguez
Graphic by Maya Uribe
The Ventura County Mountain Fire spanning 19,904 acres has now reached 91% containment according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) as of Nov. 15. The fire, which started as a result of strong Santa Ana winds throughout Ventura County on Wednesday Nov. 6, has prompted evacuations, closures and property loss as well as emergency responses from both state and federal agencies. At present, the following evacuation shelters have been established:
Large Animal Evacuation Center
An evacuation center has been established for large animals at the Ventura County Fairgrounds:
Ventura County Fairgrounds
10 E. Harbor Boulevard
Ventura, CA 93001
Small Animal Evacuation Center
An evacuation center for small animals has been established at Ventura County Animal Services (Camarillo Airport):
Ventura County Animal Services (Camarillo Airport)
600 Aviation Drive
Camarillo, 93010
The most recent update on the situation from CAL FIRE as of Nov. 12 is as follows: “Minimal fire activity overnight. Predicted winds did not materialize overnight and fire crews maintained the fire within the existing control lines. Fire suppression repair operations are ongoing and damage inspection teams remain out in the fire area assessing affected structures. Repopulation efforts continue in areas that are safe to do so.”
Governor Gavin Newsom has also declared a state of emergency for Ventura County and has announced the approval of federal assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through personnel, equipment and financial assistance that will assist local first responders in containing the fire. It is estimated that 90 residential, commercial and other structures have been damaged along with 207 structures destroyed and six confirmed fire personnel and civilian injuries.
Classes at CI were canceled on Thursday and Friday Nov. 7 and 8 with school continuing on Tuesday Nov. 12 after Veterans Day. Keeping updated on the local conditions for Ventura County is recommended as the fire remains in the process of containment. CI asks for the campus community to continue supporting one another and to seek support from the following campus services or resources:
- Counseling & Psychological Services CAPs (students)
- Disaster Relief Funds through Ekho Your Heart program (students and employees)
- Emergency Housing (students)
- Employee Assistance Program (employees)
The Mountain Fire poses a significant concern for CI as this affects their community through the impact of air quality, homes and overall safety. The fire underscores the need for community resilience and preparedness, as CI continues to prioritize safety while navigating these environmental challenges. With containment efforts steadily progressing, the collaboration between state, federal and local agencies highlights the strength of emergency response measures. As classes resume and recovery efforts continue, CI encourages everyone to stay informed, prioritize safety and take advantage of available resources being offered throughout campus. Together, the CI community will work to overcome this challenge, emerging stronger and more united.
For more information on the Mountain Fire updates:
