South Fire in Ventura County
On Saturday morning, December 9, 2023, a wildfire broke out in Ventura County near the top of the ridgeline of South Mountain, located between Somis and Santa Paula. The South Fire, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, has burned more than 2,700 acres and is at 50% containment. Here is a map of the fire (WFCA Fire Map: Tracking Current Wildfires in the U.S.). This area also was the location of the Maria Fire in October 2019.
While avocado production is in the surrounding areas there have been no reports of grove damage. As with past fires, the California Avocado Commission is here to assist growers in connecting with state and federal agencies for potential relief. Please contact Ken Melban, CAC vice president industry affairs and operations, if your grove has been impacted by the South Fire and/or if you have any questions.
On December 9, 2023, a wildfire broke out in Ventura County near the top of the ridgeline of South Mountain, located between Somis and Santa Paula.
