Arson Fire Burns 17 Acres Near Elementary School
A brush fire that charred 17 acres in a canyon above Piru Elementary School on Sunday morning was set by an arsonist, investigators at the Ventura County Fire Department said.
The fire in Warring Canyon, a quarter-mile north of the elementary school on Center Street, was reported about 7:15 a.m.
Despite 10- to 15-mph east winds, firefighters had the blaze fully contained by early afternoon. No structures were threatened.
Twelve engines, two bulldozers, three helicopters, two air tankers and three fire crews were used to quench the blaze. A 36-person backup hand crew was also at the scene but did not see action.
“At the height of the incident, we had about 70 people out there,” said Nina Raya, a Fire Department spokeswoman.
A second fire of undetermined origin broke out in undergrowth along the Ventura River near Meiners Oaks on Sunday afternoon. Firefighters were able to put it out in less than 20 minutes.
The fire, which occurred about 4:10 p.m., charred 1 acre of brush in the river bottom, near the intersection of Rice Road and El Roblar Drive.
A crew of 12 firefighters and a battalion chief had the blaze completely contained by 4:28 p.m.
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