Classes at Moorpark College are in session today following the Wednesday closure of the campus due to the Guiberson fire.

According to both the Ventura County Fire Department and Moorpark officials, the campus is not in any direct danger at the moment.

“Right now you’re probably as good a shape as you’ve been in the last couple of days,” said Tom Kruschke, Ventura County Fire Department Information Officer.

According to both Kuschke and Moorpark College President Pam Eddinger, the decision to cancel classes was made after a shift in winds sent a small finger of fire near the Campus Park complex to the west of the campus.

As of Thursday morning, the fire had consumed more than 16,400 acres and was 40 percent contained, according to the Ventura County Fire Department website.

“Through the efforts of the fire fighters on the ground and in the air, we were able to hold the fire north of the city of Moorpark with minimal impact coming right into the city of Moorpark,” said Kushke.

America’s Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College, the Exotic Animal Training and Management program, was on standby Wednesday, according to Eddinger. According to Dean of Applied Sciences Lori Bennett, some of the animals had been prepared for transport to the Camarillo Animal Shelter, in case the fire moved closer.

Both the Moorpark College website and the MyVCCCD Portal have been consistently updated with information regarding the fire. Eddinger urged students to sign up for emergency alerts via voice and text messages to stay up to date and to avoid confusion.

“I’ve been through a couple of these things, and people just hook onto the rumors, and they don’t check and they get in trouble,” said Eddinger.

Students can sign up for the Cell Phone and Emergency Notification through WebStar.

Students can also visit www.fire.countyofventura.org for updates on the fire, and the Student Voice will continue to cover the event as it unfolds.