17-06-2025
Ventura County brush fire: Howe Fire near Piru threatens high-tension power lines
As crews worked to put out a vegetation fire sparked along the Santa Clara River bottom in Ventura County in the afternoon of June 16, a bigger brush fire broke out along the river, near a community about 17 miles east. The new fire, dubbed the Howe Fire, was estimated to be about 40 acres as of 7 pm, according to Ventura County Fire. It was burning in steep terrain south of the community of Piru, according to KTLA 5. Noting that there were high-tension power lines in the area, the fire department requested a second alarm response.
VCFD shared in an X post, '#HoweFire – A vegetation fire is burning in steep terrain south of the community of Piru and the Santa Clara River. The fire is estimated at approximately 40 acres. A second alarm has been requested, along with air tankers and additional helicopters. High-tension power lines are in the area. A total of 140 firefighters are on scene or en route.'
VCFD added in an update, 'Sensory aircraft mapping shows the fire at 38.31 acres. Ground and air resources continue making steady progress toward containment.'
Another update reads, 'Ground and aerial firefighters continue to make good progress. Image shows the current fire perimeter (38.31 acres and current fire conditions.'
