Ventura County Grande Fire burns through brush near Piru, forward progress stopped

Forward progress on a brush fire burning west of Val Verde in the Piru area of Ventura County has stopped. 

According to the Ventura County Fire Department, the blaze reached 30 acres, prompting evacuation warnings. 

Fire burned through steep terrain, spreading at a moderate rate, making it difficult for crews to access it.

"Multiple fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters are assigned to the incident along with over 100 firefighters …," VCFD said. Personnel from LA County Fire and CAL FIRE assisted.

Evacuation warnings were issued for areas east of Lake Piru to the Los Angeles County line. Residents are encouraged to follow emergency.venturacounty.gov for the latest updates on evacuations.

Residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke and to stay prepared for changing conditions.

By late Thursday afternoon, forward progress stopped, and crews will monitor conditions throughout the night, coordinating with Infrared UAS aircraft to identify and mop up hot spots and keep the fire from spreading further.