Officials believe gusty spring winds have whipped up a wildfire in Camarillo, causing lane closures and traffic delays, inconveniencing Moorpark College students and staff.
‘The Springs Fire’ has burned more than 2,000 acres in the hills above Camarillo. The wind-driven wildfire has forced the evacuation of the Dos Vientos community and CSUCI campus according to Ventura County Fire Public Information Office.
The windy conditions were supposed to expire this afternoon, but have been extended until tomorrow.
Weather Specialist, Stuart Seto, at the National Weather Service office in Oxnard said “The Red Flag Warning goes through 5 p.m. tomorrow evening,” said Seto. “The high for Moorpark today is 82 degrees with a constant wind blowing in from the northeast at 10 miles per hour”.
The wind is also causing problems on the freeways. California Highway Patrol Officer Miguel Duarte said that the 101 freeway both north & southbound are still open, but to expect delays going south bound because of a lane closure from Camarillo Springs Rd. to about Wendy Dr. at the top of the Conejo Grade. The fire is spreading south and if it continues to spread south they will be closing the PCH. Additionally, Portreo Rd. is closed. The 23 and 118 freeways remain open and are unaffected by the fire.
On campus, students and faculty are inconvenienced by the winds.
As Alex Lasek, 19, art major, was making her way to class in her flowing red skirt, she expressed how frustrated she was with the wind.
“I hate it. It makes my eyes and lips dry, I can’t wear any of my cute clothes because it blows all around in the wind,” said Lasek. “It overall sucks and this weather ruins everything.” “I would love to be tanning, but instead I’m in this wind and going to class.”
Joshua Sidel, 19, undecided major, said the wind makes it more difficult to drive.
“I fell a little less safe while driving,” said Sidel. “Especially with the wind resistance pushing me around. “
Lt. Greg Beckley, of the Moorpark College campus police, warned students not to smoke on campus. “This is officially a smoke-free campus.” However smoking is permitted in designated areas of the parking lot. Beckly said officers will be especially vigilant given the extreme fire danger. They will be issuing citations to those in violation of VC 2311, which states, “No person in any vehicle and no pedestrian shall throw or discharge from or upon any road or highway or adjoining area, public or private, any lighted or non-lighted cigarette, cigar, match, or any flaming or glowing substance.
While there are no traffic accidents on campus caused by the wind so far, Beckley stressed the dangers of the high fire risk. He urged students to “Be mindful, to look for obstacles to be in the roadway.”
The Moorpark College campus has not sustained any damage.
Operations and Maintenance Manager Eric Lopez, said that to his knowledge, there is no damage from the fire or wind at Moorpark College at this time. Management has not been informed of any effects on the electricity or construction so far.
