FRAZIER PARK, CA (Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.) — The Apache Fire near West Lockwood Valley is not 80% contained, according to Los Padres National Forest officials. The acreage burned remains at 1,538.

FRAZIER PARK, CA (Monday, July 29, 2024 at 10:15 a.m.) — The U.S. Forest Service reported this morning that containment of the Apache Fire near West Lockwood Valley has increased to 62%. The fire’s acreage remains at 1,538.

FRAZIER PARK, CA (Sunday, July 28, 2024 at 9:44 a.m.) — This morning’s update from U.S. Forest Service shows containment of the Apache Fire has doubled overnight, now standing at 59% contained while the acreage consumed by the fire has not increased.

FRAZIER PARK, CA (Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 11:20 a.m.) — The Apache Fire, which started Tuesday, July 23 at about 6:30 p.m. adjacent to Highway 33, north of Lockwood Valley Road, has been aggressively attacked by fire crews from National Forest Service and Ventura County Fire Department.

This morning’s update from Los Padres National Forest follows:

Firefighters have constructed an initial line around much of the Apache Fire. Fire crews will work today to improve on the work done over that last two days by seeking out and extinguishing smoldering vegetation near the fire’s edge. The percentage of containment will increase as fire managers are confident that established lines will hold. The fire has not grown over the past 48 hours despite higher winds in the area.

Evacuation Orders and Evacuation Warnings are still in place. Firefighters will continue to improve structure protection measures as the fire lines are mopped up.

The fire is burning adjacent to Maricopa Highway (CA-33). The highway remains open. Motorists are encouraged be alert for firefighters and equipment in the area. Please check Caltrans road conditions prior to driving through the area.

California Interagency Incident Management Team 2, a United States Forest Service incident command team has been assigned to manage the fire.

Forecast for Saturday: After one final day of hot temperatures today, a cooling trend will take place Sunday through Tuesday. High temperatures will range from the upper 80s to low 90s and afternoon humidity will be in the mid to upper teens. Winds will be out of the northwest 5-12 mph, gusting to 18-20 mph.

Evacuation Areas: Current Apache Fire evacuation information can be found atvcemergency.com.  The status of evacuations may change during the day. Ventura County residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications here.

This is part of the July 26, 2024 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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