Mountain Fire in Ventura County - Updates and Recovery Information

Smoke from the Mountain Fire seen from Rancho Potrero Open Space in Newbury Park

The Mountain Fire was first reported at just before 9 a.m. on Wednesday, November 6th, near Somis, in the 7900 block of Balcom Canyon Road and Bradley Road. Due to the extremely high Santa Ana winds, it quickly jumped across Highway 118 towards Camarillo and as of Thursday night grew to 20,484 acres burned at 5% containment. The fire has destroyed at least 132 structures and damaged another 88 structures as of Thursday evening. Visit vcemergency.com for details regarding evacuation orders, emergency shelters, road closures, and more. Information hotline is 805-465-6650. Or call 2-1-1 for assistance.

Fire Updates

• As of 8:50 a.m. Saturday, November 9th, the fire is at 20,630 acres with 17% containment.

• As the night of Monday, November 11th, fire at 42% contained. Out of 894 inspections to date, 82 structures damaged and 192 destroyed.

• As of 5:22 p.m. Tuesday, November 12, fire is 54% contained at 20,630 acres. 90 structures damaged, 207 destroyed.

• As of the morning of Thursday, November 14, acreage unchanged, 82% contained, 25 structures damaged, 240 structures destroyed.

Recovery Efforts

The County of Ventura, in partnership with the Ventura County Community Foundation, has established an emergency fund accepting donations to support community members and local nonprofit organizations most affected by the Mountain Fire. The Ventura County Wildfire Relief and Recovery Fund is open for giving at vccf.org/donate, and is dedicated to supporting individuals and nonprofit organizations that provide essential aid to those most affected in times of crisis. One hundred percent of contributions go directly toward relief efforts, focusing resources on those who need it most.

If you were impacted by the fire, the Ventura County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VC VOAD) asks that you complete a needs assessment at https://icfs.communityos.org/gethelpventuracounty to get help.

Ventura County Recovers website covers recovery information at www.venturacountyrecovers.org

Fox Fine Jewelry is offering a free diamond necklace to anyone whose home was damaged or destroyed by the Mountain Fire. Necklaces also available for sale, with 50% of proceeds donated to the VC Community Foundation. www.foxfinejewelry.com/pages/mountain-fire-free-necklace

Individual GoFundMe Pages

If you are seeking to donate directly to individuals impacted by the Mountain Fire, there are over 50 GoFundMe fundraisers established over the last 7 days (as of November 9th) at https://www.gofundme.com/s?q=%22mountain+fire%22&time-period=7 (NOTE THAT WE HAVE NOT VETTED EACH FUNDRAISER. USE YOUR OWN DUE DILIGENCE.)

Ventura County Community Foundation Accepting Emergency Donations for Mountain Fire

The County of Ventura, in partnership with the Ventura County Community Foundation, has established an emergency fund accepting donations to support community members and local nonprofit organizations most affected by the Mountain Fire. The Ventura County Wildfire Relief and Recovery Fund is open for giving at vccf.org/donate, and is dedicated to supporting individuals and nonprofit organizations that provide essential aid to those most affected in times of crisis. One hundred percent of contributions go directly toward relief efforts, focusing resources on those who need it most.

On Nov. 6, a wildfire broke outside of Moorpark following Santa Ana winds reaching 40 to 80 miles per hour. The fire has grown to 20,596 acres as of Nov. 8 according to VC Emergency, with 7% containment. VCCF has previously stewarded millions of dollars in donations for the Thomas, Hill, and Woolsey Fires, ensuring the funds had the most impact and supported those most affected. VCCF continues to monitor the status of the Mountain Fire, working with its nonprofit and government partners to best respond to the county’s needs.

"Through the Ventura County Wildfire Relief and Recovery Fund, our community has a vital lifeline for those impacted by the wildfire,” said Dr. Sevet Johnson, CEO of Ventura County. “This fund stands as a testament to our county's unwavering commitment to provide swift and direct support to individuals and nonprofit organizations on the front lines of relief efforts. Ventura County is both compassionate and resilient, always ready to stand together and support one another in times of need.”

VCCF encourages all community members to stay informed and make safe decisions in the face of this emergency. Information on evacuation zones and shelters can be accessed at vcemergency.com or by calling (805) 465-6650.

“Ventura County has faced devastating wildfires over the years, but the resilience and generosity of our community is stronger,” said VCCF Board Member Leah Lacayo. “We are so grateful to the County of Ventura and our first responders for their heroic efforts to keep our community safe. Your community foundation is here to help, especially during times of disaster, and has set up this fund to support relief and recovery efforts.”

About VCCF

Established in 1987, the Ventura County Community Foundation has focused on building philanthropy in our region by stewarding legacies through careful management of the charitable capital entrusted to us. We are committed to a long-term perspective for Ventura County. We honor donor intent by protecting endowments forever and we specialize in connecting philanthropic resources with community needs for the benefit of all. We invest in the future through scholarships, grant making and collaborative partnerships. vccf.org

National Park Service to Begin Site Clean-Up One Year After Woolsey Fire

Site Clean-Up Effort Set to Begin One Year After Woolsey Fire

Testing for Hazardous Materials and Debris Removal Will Be Completed by June 2020

One year after the Woolsey Fire damaged 112 miles of trails and 88 percent of federal park land in the Santa Monica Mountains, a second phase of the recovery effort that began immediately after the fire is poised to begin today with the testing of hazardous materials and removing debris from 30 structures and outbuildings.

The National Park Service is not eligible for the assistance provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for cleaning up burned sites. FEMA has provided contaminant clean-up through the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) for most private landowners, local and state governments impacted by the Woolsey Fire.

“We needed separate funds from Congress to begin work,” said Park Superintendent David Szymanski. In June, Congress passed and the President signed a Disaster Relief Bill. Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA) received a share of these funds in August and awarded a contract for site clean-up the following month.

Strict environmental rules govern the treatment of contaminated sites. The process involves rigorous testing before and after treatment to ensure that materials are disposed of properly and that the site is cleaned to accepted standards.

“Since all buildings have toxins in them when they burn, testing for hazardous materials is a critical step that must be taken prior to the removal of any of the debris,” Szymanski said. “As caretakers for the public’s lands, we are required to guarantee that all toxins have been removed. We can’t just use our park equipment and haul everything off.”

A minority-owned business based out of Thousand Oaks called Lead Builders, Inc. was awarded a $1.6 million contract in September to remove and haul debris from the various sites within the recreation area. The debris consists of vegetation, ash, contaminated soil, trees that prohibit work performance, household hazardous waste and electronic waste.

After the testing process is completed early next year, the contractor will remove and haul debris from the 30 structures and outbuildings. This aspect of the project is expected to begin in the spring of 2020.

The park has focused on reopening trails and park sites. Over the past year, park rangers worked to open these trails, clear roads, stabilize hillsides, repair culverts and conduct surveys on bridges that were in need of repair. Currently, 103 miles of the 112 that were burned have reopened. In addition, 1,000 acres of invasive plants were treated.

The park expects to open two more park units - Peter Strauss Ranch and Rocky Oaks - before Thanksgiving.

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA) is the largest urban national park in the country, encompassing more than 150,000 acres of mountains and coastline in Ventura and Los Angeles counties. A unit of the National Park Service, it comprises a seamless network of local, state, and federal parks interwoven with private lands and communities. As one of only five Mediterranean ecosystems in the world, SMMNRA preserves the rich biological diversity of more than 450 animal species and 26 distinct plant communities. For more information, visit nps.gov/samo.

SIP Malibu Grapes and Kristy's Roadhouse Malibu in Agoura Hills Destroyed by Woolsey Fire

Among so much other devastation from the Woolsey Fire, SIP Malibu Grapes and Kristy’s Roadhouse Malibu at the corner of Kanan Road and Sierra Creek Road in Agoura Hills were destroyed.

The owner of SIP has announced that they will be exploring different options to rebuild and recover. To hear about what’s going on and how you can help, sign up for updates at www.sipmalibugrapes.com.

No word at this time regarding future plans, if any, for Kristy’s Roadhouse.

Las Virgenes Fire Relief Raises $30,000 for Woolsey Fire Victims in First Two Days

Las Virgenes Fire Relief Raises $30,000 for

Woolsey Fire Victims in First Two Days

Parent-Run Relief Organization Partners with Local Businesses to Serve Impacted Families

Displaced residents "shop" at LV Fire Relief's donation center.

In the days during the devastating Woolsey Fire in Southern California, a group of parents in the Las Virgenes Unified School District founded LV Fire Relief (LVFR). LVFR raises money and collects physical donations to serve district-area families whose homes were lost or severely damaged. Nearly one hundred student and staff member families either lost their homes or have been displaced long-term following major damage.

“We believe in the power of community,” said Jenn Kurtz, involved Agoura Hills resident and parent group president with children in three LVUSD schools, who organized the swift creation of LVFR with the blessing of school district leaders. “Some of these families have lost everything. Can you imagine being 9 years old and knowing that your house and everything in it is gone?” Families can seek help at lvfirerelief.org.

LVFR accepts financial donations in partnership with the Southeast Ventura YMCA. “Donations will be distributed on a need basis, and 100% of the funds will go to the families,” said Kurtz. The group is also collecting physical donations of non-perishable food, household goods like paper and cleaning products, baby products, and housewares. Donations have come from businesses, Baby 2 Baby, and individual donors from all over Los Angeles, some driving from as far as Long Beach and Pasadena.

A vacant office space has been loaned to the effort by the Dale Poe Real Estate group and the Agoura Business Center. Volunteers made up of teachers, staff, parents, students, and other community members organize donations and walk fire victims through selecting much-needed items that will help them get through the next several months. The space was nearly filled within its first day, and displaced families came to “shop” for clothes, toiletries, and other items lost in the fire. One recipient broke into tears at the sight of such generosity. “I’ve been fine up until this point,” she said, “but this put me over the edge.”  

About LV Fire Relief

Founded in response to the destruction of the Woolsey Fire in November, 2018, LV Fire Relief raises money and collects goods for families who lost their homes or have been displaced long-term by severe damage to their homes. LV Fire Relief is a community effort by local parents, staff, students, and business owners, and is not affiliated with the Las Virgenes Unified School District. Donations are processed with support of the Southeast Ventura YMCA, and are tax-deductible. For more information about LV Fire Relief or to learn how to donate, drop off supplies, or volunteer, please visit lvfirerelief.org.

Update From Woolsey Fire Unified Commanders on November 15, 2018

Unified command is working with local utility companies to ensure that critical infrastructure is repaired and restored. Burned out power poles, burned and damaged homes, debris filled roadways, broken gas lines, and burned guardrails pose serious safety hazards to residents attempting to return to the area.

The safety of both residents and first responders is the primary focus of our mission. Fire crews and heavy equipment are busy working to mitigate safety concerns to ensure that residents can return home safely.

The Woolsey Fire is unlike any previous fire in the Santa Monica Mountains due to the vast destruction and devastation to homes and critical infrastructure. A reminder to residents returning to the area, please stay vigilant on current fire conditions, and heed to the warning of emergency personnel. Please continue to adhere to road closures and any evacuation zones. All residents returning to the area are asked to drive slowly and yield to emergency personnel. If at any time you feel unsafe, call 911.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses can begin applying for FEMA aid now. Register online at www.disasterassistance.gov.

Safety information for those returning home can be found at: www.readyforwildfire.org/After-a-Wildfire.

Although the fire has not directly impacted the communities of Monte Nido and Topanga, the threat of a wildfire due to wind reversal after the Santa Ana’s subside remains a concern. The wind reversal will test our fire lines and validate our fire behavior prediction to declare the area safe. Unified Commanders are constantly evaluating the Malibu Fire area and while smoke is no longer visible we need to ensure infrastructure is safe for you to return.