MOORPARK : Firecracker Sparks 60-Acre Blaze on Ridge

A firecracker thrown from a speeding truck sparked a brush fire Monday that scarred about 60 acres on a ridgeline between Moorpark and Fillmore, a Ventura County Fire Department investigator said.

Arson investigator Peter Cronk sorted through ashes along California 23 and found what looked like a spent firecracker or smoke bomb, which he said started the blaze about 1:30 p.m. Monday.

Cronk said he had a pretty good description of the truck, “so I think we’ll be able to track down who started this.”

Ventura County Fire Department spokeswoman Sandi Wells said witnesses saw someone throw lit fireworks into the brush at Grimes Canyon and Shekell roads from a pickup truck traveling toward Moorpark. The pickup was described as a blue Toyota with big tires and high suspension, towing a powerboat on a trailer.

Tips may be called in to Cronk at 388-4269.

If caught, he said, the culprit might have to pay the cost of the four hand crews, 10 fire engines, three helicopters and the bulldozer used to fight the fire.

Although the fire was buffeted by a west wind, crews were able to head off the slow-moving flames before they threatened any of the ranch homes in the area, said Assistant Fire Chief Dave Festerling.

Firefighters reported no injuries.

Firefighters had to close the highway during the afternoon while they battled the blaze. It took until about 5 p.m. to contain the fire.