UPDATES

09/28/06 - 11:55 a.m.

The Recommended Evacuations in the areas of Ozena and Camp Scheideck, near Highway 33 and Lockwood Valley Road have been downgraded to Precautionary Evacuations.

09/28/06 - 9:00 a.m.

The Day Fire consumed approximately 15,000 acres during the 24-hour period on September 27, primarily in the north-western area of the fire near Lockwood Valley.

The National Weather Service issued a “Red Flag” warning for today due to very low humidity levels and high temperatures.

Evacuations

All earlier issued recommended (Lockwood Valley along Lockwood Valley Road to the Ventura County line) and precautionary evacuations (along Highway 33 from Rose Valley to Lockwood Valley Road) are still in effect.

Road Closures

Highway 33 is closed to the general public between Wheeler Gorge and Ozena, near Lockwood Valley. The road will be open to residents with ID.

Lockwood Valley Road is closed to the public and residents from Highway 33 to the Ventura County line.

Shelters:

09/27/06 - 4:25

A new shelter has been opened at West Ranch High School, 26255 West Valencia Blvd., Santa Clarita. This shelter replaces the Frazier Park shelter, which is closed.

09/27/06 - 12:10 p.m.

Kern County residents seeking information regarding general fire and evacuation information can call a newly established hotline phone number (661) 868-1100.

9/27/06 - 8:45 a.m.

The fire in Lockwood Valley burned approximately 1,000 acres before stopping at Three Falls Boy Scout Camp. Aggressive firefighting efforts and cooler overnight temperatures kept the fire from advancing further. Five unoccupied outbuilding structures were destroyed in the fire.

Recommended evacuations in effect:
Lockwood Valley

Precautionary evacuations in effect:
Highway 33 from Rose Valley to Ozena.

Road Closures:

Highway 33 from Wheeler Gorge to Lockwood Valley road is closed to all but residents with ID.

Lockwood Valley Road from Highway 33 to Lake of the Woods is closed to everyone but emergency personnel.

09/26/06 - 9:11 p.m.

The fire has stopped at Three Falls on Boy Scout Camp Road.

Lockwood Valley Road continues to be closed to all vehicles except emergency response vehicles.

Kern County residents can call the Kern County Sheriff's Department Communications Center, 661-861-3110 or 800-861-3110, for further information or questions.

09/26/06 - 7:20 p.m.

There is no new information at this time. Please read previous posts for important information.

09/26/06 - 3:52 p.m.

The following shelters have been closed:
Santa Paula Community Center, 530 West Main Street, Santa Paula
Sacred Heart Church, 10800 Henderson Road, Ventura

09/26/06 - 3:08 p.m.

The Frazier Park evacuation center has been moved to Frazier Mountain High School, 700 Falcon Way, Frazier Park. Kern County residents may call Kern County Sheriff's Communications Center at 661-861-3110 or 800-861-3110. with questions.

009/26/06 - 2:35 p.m.

The Frazier Park evacuation center has been moved to Frazier Mountain High School, 700 Falcon Way, Frazier Park.

9/26/06 - 1:00 p.m.

LOCKWOOD VALLEY ROAD IS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC, INCLUDING RESIDENTS

09/26/06 - 12:31 p.m.

The fire has jumped containment lines. It has jumped Grade Road and Lockwood Valley Road, and has come within 1/4 mile of structures. The fire crews have structure protection in place.

Recommended evacuations for Lockwood Valley are still in effect.

09/26/06 - 9:15 a.m.

Residents in Lockwood Valley were issued a Recommended Evaucation notice at 6:00 p.m. Monday. That recommendation is still in effect.

Precautionary evacuations will remain in effect to residents along Highway 33, from Rose Valley to Lockwood Valley Road. For Kern County, contact the Kern County Fire Department at 661-324-6551.

Lockwood Valley Road from Mile Marker 17, east to the Ventura County line is closed to through traffic, except to residents with valid identification.

Highway 33 remains closed from Wheeler Gorge to Ozena.

Residents in affected areas are reminded to drive with caution due to the presence of emergency vehicles in the area.

09/25/06 - 5:50 p.m.

The “Day Fire” showed increased activity in the area of Mutau Flat after it jumped over a dozer line and quickly burned several hundred acres. This action placed residents of Lockwood Valley at increased risk, necessitating recommended evacuations of residents in that area.

Deputy Sheriffs and Search and Rescue Volunteers are in the process of advising residents of Lockwood Valley of the “Recommended Evacuations.” The area impacted is along Lockwood Valley Road from mile marker 17, east to the Ventura county line.

09/25/06 - 1:14 p.m.

Due to decreased fire activity, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department is continuing to downgrade the infrastructure and evacuation impacts to communities that have been threatened by the “Day Fire.”

Roads:

Precautionary Evacuations:

Community Information:

Fire and law enforcement officials will host a community meeting to update area residents on the status of the “Day Fire.” The briefing will begin at 6:30 pm at the Santa Paula Community Center, located at 530 W. Main Street.

09/25/06 - 7:50 p.m.

Summit Elementary School will be closed today because of traffic issues. 

There is no new information to report at this time

09/24/06 - 8:50 p.m

Due to decreased fire activity the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department is downgrading the evacuation order currently in effect in the Hwy 150 corridor from Upper Ojai at Sulphur Mountain Road to Steckel Park from recommended evacuation to precautionary evacuation.  Because a precautionary  evacuation is still in effect in this area, residents are advised to remain prepared to leave if notified that the fire poses an immediate threat.   

The threat to the area from the Day Fire has decreased, as the fire is no longer being fanned by Santa Ana winds. 

Areas currently under Precautionary Evacuation are:   

The following Road Closures remain in effect except to local residents with identification or agricultural permits: 
 

Hwy 33 from Wheeler Gorge to Lockwood Valley Road

Lockwood valley Road from Hwy 33 to Lake of the Woods

Hwy 150 from Stonegate Road to Reeves Road

 09/24/06 - 5:00 p.m.

Sheriff's Officials have been in contact with  Ojai Unified School District officials. Assessments are currently being made about the possibility of school  closures for tomorrow (09/25/06).   We will post the decision here as soon as it is confirmed.

09/24/06 - 3:55 p.m.

Fire Services has arranged a community meeting for tomorrow, September 25, 2006, 6:30 p.m., at the Santa Paula Community Center, 530 W. Main, Santa Paula.

Representatives from the Fire Department, the Santa Paula Police Department, and the Sheriff's Department will be at the meeting to discuss fire-related issues.

09/24/06 - 3:00 p.m.

The status has not changed at this time. Please see updates below (9/24/06 - 12:40 p.m.) for up-to-date information.

09/24/06 - 12:40 p.m.

All precautionary (click here) and recommended (click here) evacuations are still in effect.

All road closures (click here) are still in effect for non-residents

All four evacuation shelters (click here) are still open and available to evacuees.

Pine Mountain Club is no longer available for animal sheltering/evacuation (click here)

At 12:30 p.m., a "D.C. 10" dropped 12,000 gallons of fire retardant on the Nordhoff Ridge. A "D.C. 10" drops over 12,000 gallons of water over an area that is 3/8 to 3/4 of a mile wide.

127, 500 acres have been affected by the Day Fire, which is 40% contained at this time. Currently there are over 3,200 fire personnel, and over 45 aircraft (32 helicopters, 8 air tankers, 4 air attack craft, 1 “D.C. 10”) battling the fire.

09/24/06 - 10:35 a.m.

Nothing has changed at this time; the information listed in the 09/23/06 - 9:25 p.m. update is current.

Recommended evacuations are still in effect, and Highway 150 from Reeves to Bridge Road continues to be closed, except to residents with proper identification.

All shelters listed (click here for list) remain open.

09/23/06 - 9:25 p.m.

Recommended evacuations are in effect from Upper Ojai Sulphur Mountain Road to Steckel Park.

Thomas Aquinas College is being evacuated.

Highway 150 from Reeves to Bridge Road is closed.

Currently, the fire is moving west over to the Topa Topa Bluffs into Cesar Creek.

09/23/06 - 8:45 p.m.

Highway 150 is now open, with no closures at this time

09/23/06 - 3:50 p.m.

Contrary to rumors that are circulating, there have been no recommended evacuations at this time

09/23/06 - 1:55 p.m.

Click here for the Ventura County Animal Regulation website for animal evacuation information.

09/23/06 - 11:30 a.m.

Precautionary Evacuations: Highway 150 from Fire Station 20 to Thacher School.

Second precautionary evacuation notices given to the residents from Fire Station 20 to Santa Paula City limits.

Hwy 150 is closed from Mupu School (Santa Paula) to Reeves Road in Ojai with the exception of residents with proper identification

09/23/06 - 10:45 a.m.

Update regarding fire retardant drop: The drop has been suspended at this time as the winds have picked up.

Additionally even though Hwy 150 is not closed at this time, it is recommended that visitors stay off of Hwy 150  and its trail heads due to changing in the wind conditions and the possible need for emergency vehicle access.

Precautionary evacuations have begun on Hwy 33 from Rose Valley north to Lockwood Valley Road .

09/23/06 - 9:06 a.m.

 The Ventura County Fire Department has advised that they will be setting up a contingency line along the Foothill Trail and Fuel Break roads, in the foothills north of the City of Ojai.  

There will be aircraft dropping fire retardant during the day.  This info is to provide the community of the precautionary action being taken.  The fire is not threatening the City of Ojai at this time.   

09/23/06 - 1:00 a.m.

Highway 33 from Wheeler Gorge to Lockwood Valley is closed.

09/22/06 - 4:40 p.m.

A new shelter has been opened at
Sacred Heart Church, 10800 Henderson Road, Ventura

Although Lockwood Valley remains under a
Precautionary Evacuation, Lockwood Valley Road from Hwy 33 to Lake of the Woods (Frazier Mountain Park Road) remain closed except to residents with identification in order to facilitate movement of livestock and residents out of the area and fire fighting equipment into the area.

09/22/06 - 10:00 a.m.

The following shelters have been recently opened:

• Nordhoff High School, 1401 Maricopa Highway
  
• Santa Paula Community Center, 530 West Main Street, Santa Paula

09/22/06 - 9:22 a.m.

The fire laid down during the night.

The same precautionary evacuations are still in effect (click here for those evacuations) .

We are expecting Santa Anna winds to begin at 6: p.m. this evening, with winds between 30-45 mph and gusts up to 70 mph.

Residents are advised to monitor this website for updates.

09/21/06 - 8:45 p.m.

Precautionary evacuations are still in effect for Highway
150 from the Summit to the Santa Paula City limits.

"Household” (domestic) animals should be taken to the Red Cross shelter with owners when they evacuate. At the "shelter" Animal Control will make arrangement to take the pets to an animal shelter.

If livestock must be evacuated, call

• 805-388-4341 (Ventura County Department of Animal Regs)
• 888-223-7387 (Ventura County Department of Animal Regs)

to make arrangements to have the livestock moved. NOTE: The phone will be answered by a recording, however, press “0” and you will be transferred to an Animal Control Officer.

09/21/2006 - 2:45 p.m.

The Ventura Sheriff’s Department has issued a precautionary evacuation for residents in area of Highway 150 between Summit and Santa Paula City limits due to a shift in the direction of the
Day Fire. Residents are advised to consider making preparations to move animals and livestock out of the area.

• Camp Schiedeck area
• Residents of Lockwood Valley from Hwy 33 to Frazier Mountain Park Road

9/21/06 - Ojai Community Meeting

There will be a community meeting on the Day Fire to be held Thursday, September 21 at 6:30 pm. The meeting location will be Chaparral School located at 414 East Ojai Avenue in Ojai. The public is invited to this meeting to hear an overview of the Day Fire from the Fire Incident Commanders and Law Enforcement representatives.

09/17/06 - 09/21/06

• Fire is burning in a northward direction toward Lockwood Valley coming to an area within five miles of the Lockwood Valley community. Evacuation areas are listed below.
• The National Weather Service has forecast a chance of Santa Ana (East) winds for Saturday, September 23, 2006. Although the winds are not expected to be as strong as last weekend, this could some concern for residents in the upper Ojai and Lockwood Valley areas. Residents are reminded to be prepared in the event that it is recommended they evacuate.
• Smoke from the Day Fire is expected to be blown back and forth over the ocean and land as winds in the upper elevations change directions over the next several days. This will cause times of clear skies followed by unhealthy smoky conditions.
• Click here for health advisory information.

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PRECAUTIONARY EVACUATIONS

09/30/06 - 7:00 p.m.

• Lockwood Valley
• Ozena and Camp Scheideck, near Highwayy 33 and Lockwood Valley Road
• Highway 33 from Rose Valley to Lockwood Valley Road.

09/28/06 - 9:00 a.m. & 11:55 a.m.

• Ozena and Camp Scheideck, near Highwayy 33 and Lockwood Valley Road
• Highway 33 from Rose Valley to Lockwood Valley Road.

09/27/06 - 8:45 a.m.

Highway 33 from Rose Valley to Ozena.

09/26/06 - 9:15 a.m.

Precautionary evacuations will remain in effect to residents along Highway 33, from Rose Valley to Lockwood Valley Road. For Kern County, contact the Kern County Fire Department at 661-324-6551.

09/25/06 - 1:14 p.m

• Precautionary evacuations will be lifted to residents along Highway 150 after 6:00 pm.
• Precautionary evacuations will remain in effect to residents along Highway 33 from Rose Valley to Lockwood Valley Road.
• Precautionary evacuations will also remain in effect to residents along Lockwood Valley Road to Frazier Mountain Park Road.

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RECOMMENDED EVACUATIONS

09.30/06

NONE AT THIS TIME

09/29/06 - 7:00 a.m.

Lockwood Valley along Lockwood Valley Road to the Ventura County line

09/28/06 - 9:00 a.m. & 11:55

• Ozena and Camp Scheideck, near Highway 33 and Lockwood Valley Road have been downgraded to Precautionary Evacuations.
• Lockwood Valley along Lockwood Valley Road to the Ventura County line

09/26/06 - 9:15 a.m.

Lockwood Valley (mile marker 17, East to the Ventura County line)

09/25/06 - 5:50 p.m.

Lockwood Valley (mile marker 17, East to the Ventura County line)

09/25/06 -1:15 p.m.

NONE AT THIS TIME

09/23/06 - 3:50 p.m.

• U pper Ojai Sulphur Mountain Road to Steckel Park

If you are contacted by a law enforcement officer or firefighter either in person or by way of a loud speaker, it is recommended that you immediately evacuate to a safe location (designated shelters or another safe place of your choosing).

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ROAD CLOSURES

AS OF 9/26/06, LOCKWOOD VALLEY ROAD IS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC, INCLUDING RESIDENTS

09/29/06 - 7:00 a.m.

• Highway 33 is closed to the general public between Wheeler Gorge and Ozena, near Lockwood Valley. The road will be open to residents with ID.

• Lockwood Valley Road is closed to the public and residents from Highway 33 to the Ventura County line.

09/28/06 - 9:00 a.m.

• Highway 33 is closed to the general public between Wheeler Gorge and Ozena, near Lockwood Valley. The road will be open to residents with ID.

• Lockwood Valley Road is closed to the public and residents from Highway 33 to the Ventura County line.

09/27/06 - 8:45 a.m.

Highway 33 from Wheeler Gorge to Lockwood Valley road is closed to all but residents with ID.

Lockwood Valley Road from Highway 33 to Lake of the Woods is closed to everyone but emergency personnel.

09/26/06 - 9:15 a.m

• Highway 150 is opened between the city of Santa Paula and the City of Ojai. Reduced speed limits will be in effect and will be noted by posted signs.
• Highway 33 will be remain closed to the general public between Wheeler Gorge and Ozena, near Lockwood Valley. The road will be open to residents with ID and persons with Sheriff’s Department issued Agricultural Passes.
• Lockwood Valley Road will remained closed from Highway 33 to Lake of the woods in Frazier Park. As above, the road will be open to residents with ID and persons with the issued Agricultural Passes.

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RED CROSS SHELTERS

09/29/06 - 7:00 a.m.

• West Ranch High School, 26255 Valencia Blvd., Santa Clarita
• Golden Hills High School, 801 Hosking Avenue, Bakersfield

09/28/06 - 9:00 a.m..

• West Ranch High School , located at 26255 Valencia Blvd. Santa Clarita.Golden Hills High School , located at 801 Hosking Avenue, Bakersfield.

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ANIMAL EVACUATIONS

• Large Animals: Tejon Ranch Equestrian Center - space for up to 200 head. Directions to the Ranch: Interstate 5 north from Frasier Park. Take Lebec exit, follow signs to equestrian center.
• Small Animals: Ojai Humane Society - End of Bryant Rd., Ojai
• Large Animals (livestock): Ventura County Fair Grounds, Ventura

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ANIMAL EVACUATION ASSISTANCE PHONE NUMBERS

• Website for animal evacuations: http://www.vcar.us
• 805-388-4341 (Ventura County Department of Animal Regs)
• 888-223-7387 (Ventura County Department of Animal Regs)

Although both phone lines begin with a recorded message, press "0" to talk to an Animal Regulations officer who can assist you in making arrangements to move your animals.

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SCHOOL DISTRICT INFORMATION

09/25/06 - 1:14 p.m.

• Summit School is expected to be open on Tuesday, September 26 th. Updated information regarding all schools in the Ojai School District can be obtained on the Internet at www.ojai.k12.ca.us.
• St. Thomas Aquinas School is expected to be open Tuesday, September 26th.

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WEATHER INFORMATION

• Up to date weather information can be obtained on the internet at: www.vcwatershed.org/fws/ventcowx.htm
• Place your cursor over the box near your area for live weather information.

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ADDITIONAL LIINKS

• United States Forest Service website: www.inciweb.org. Choose the 'Day Wildland Fire' link.
• Animal evacuation website http://www.vcaar.us

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