Man Killed in Fire Near Ventura at Property Known for Cleanup Need
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A Casitas Springs man died early Monday when fire swept through a cluttered property north of Ventura that had long been the focus of cleanup efforts.
The blaze, which erupted after midnight in the 8600 block of Ventura Avenue, was fueled by a large collection of personal and household items. The fire threatened neighboring homes and forced the closure of California 33 through Casitas Springs for nearly five hours, according to Ventura County Fire Department spokesman Joe Luna.
The victim was identified as Eddie Verlin Meadors, 55. Meadors lived at the property but was not the owner.
The cause of the blaze was not known Monday afternoon, but authorities said the property had a long history of code violations. It had been targeted for cleanup by county agencies.
A hazardous materials team was brought in when flames spread to a 40-foot waste container filled with paints and other potentially toxic materials.
It took 50 firefighters about an hour to control the blaze. The southbound lane of California 33 was reopened about 5 a.m.
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