The fire exploded Thursday night about 20 miles from where firefighters are mopping up the Easy Fire. The Maria Fire is burning in a more isolated area. Ventura County Fire Captain Steve Kaufmann tells KTLA-5 he’s actually optimistic.
”We’ve seen a dramatic change in our weather overnight. So, the fire doesn’t have the winds pushing it like it did last night at 6:30 when I got here. The activity of the fire isn’t as explosive as it was last night.”
The fire is burning on hillsides and near farms north of the 118 Freeway and south of the 126 Freeway. Evacuations are underway.