200 Evacuated in Ventura County Fire
Authorities Monday night evacuated a one-square mile neighborhood of Saticoy in Ventura County while firefighters battled a blaze involving possibly hazardous materials at a nearby chemical plant.
The fire started at about 6 p.m. at the Pacific Intermediate chemical blending company, which manufactures pharmaceuticals.
A half-mile section of California 118 was shut down as a precaution because of the smoke, and was expected to remain closed through the night, a Ventura County fire dispatcher said.
Firefighters also closed both sides of Los Angeles Avenue and evacuated homes on nearby Nardo Street and Rosal Lane, said fire spokeswoman Laura Kidd.
The American Red Cross opened an evacuation center at Buena High School in Saticoy for the estimated 200 people affected by the order.
A firefighter was taken to Ventura County Medical Center suffering from dizziness an nausea. No other injuries were reported.
An inspector reported that three small, separate fires could be seen inside the building, Kidd said.
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