Ranch Fire’s Full Containment Delayed a Day Because of Winds

Fire crews continued to battle the 3,800-acre Ranch fire Friday, and officials said full containment, originally expected by Friday evening, would be delayed 24 hours because of a shift in the weather.

Clear skies and mild Santa Ana winds Thursday night and early Friday helped firefighters in their overnight efforts to contain the brush fire, most of which was burning in Los Padres National Forest, along Horn and Wilsie canyons.

“It was a pleasure to be able to work in calm weather so we could do our jobs,” said Joe Luna, a spokesman with the Ventura County Fire Department.

But dry, windy weather Friday afternoon stalled firefighters from fully containing the blaze, which by the end of the day was 90% contained, officials said.

Two firefighters working in steep and rugged terrain sustained minor injuries Friday. One was cut on the hand by a chain saw. He was taken to Ojai Hospital, where he was treated and released. The other was hit in the face by debris and was treated at the scene.

The 1,600 firefighters still on the scene Friday strengthened fire lines and mopped up hot spots. About 600 crew members were released from duty during the day.

In addition to the county, agencies helping include the California Department of Forestry, the U.S. Forest Service and the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

The cost of suppressing the fire is estimated at $2.7 million. The projected total cost is $4 million.

The cause of the wildfire is still under investigation. One home in Sisar Canyon was destroyed Tuesday evening.

Christmas services will be held this morning for those crews still fighting the blaze. Holiday meals are also planned. At dinner, firefighters will be entertained by local musicians, including Jon McCuen, formerly of the Byrds, and Mario and Jim Cleary of the Wallflowers.