Easy Fire causes evacuations near Reagan Presidential Library

UPDATED at 4:40 p.m. PDT October 30, 2019

Firefighters are working diligently to stop the Easy Fire at the 23 freeway. At least two spot fires erupted on the west side but were suppressed with the aid of aircraft. At times the winds were too extreme for any aircraft but late in the afternoon they subsided enough to allow helicopters and fixed wing air tankers to rejoin the fight.

Ventura County Fire Department officials said the fire has burned about 1,400 acres.


UPDATED at 11:40 a.m. PDT October 30, 2019

map Easy Fire
Map showing the APPROXIMATE location, based on live camera views, of the rapidly spreading Easy Fire at 10:30 a.m. PDT Oct. 30, 2019. Not to be used for planning or evacuation decisions.

The Easy Fire in Simi Valley has burned at least 1,300 acres according to an estimate from Ventura County authorities and has burned completely around the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in southern California. Goats have been used to reduce the vegetation around structures at the library which no doubt improved its survivability. (see map above)

Two DC-10 Very Large Air Tankers are working the fire but Air Attack is having a difficult time selecting targets in the strong wind that can be dropped on effectively.

air tankers aircraft Easy Fire
Aircraft over the Easy Fire at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 30, 2019, including two DC-10 Very Large Air Tankers, T-910 & T-914.

There are a total of 8 air tankers, 9 helicopters, and 800 firefighters working the fire.

The fire is threatening 6,500 homes.

At least two semi trucks have been overturned by the wind.

semi truck overturned by the wind
A semi truck overturned by the wind. ABC7


UPDATED at 8:39 a.m. PDT October 30, 2019

At least seven helicopters are dropping water on the fire but their effectiveness is reduced at times by the wind blowing the water off target. Two Super Scooper air tankers are also on scene and are concentrating on protecting the Reagan Presidential Library.


8:13 a.m. PDT October 30, 2019.

The Easy Fire that started in Ventura County in southern California before dawn spread very rapidly from Easy Street across Tierra Rejada Road toward the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. At 8 a.m. it had burned approximately 200 acres and was approaching the library and several homes east of Highway 23 north of Madera Road. (see map below)

map easy fire
Map showing the APPROXIMATE location of the rapidly spreading Easy Fire at 7:50 a.m. PDT October 30, 2019.

Evacuations are in effect. There is a possibility that the Easy Fire could cross Highway 23

The fire is being pushed by strong, dry winds out of the northeast at 40 mph gusting above 60.

Easy Fire
The Easy Fire at 9:12 a.m. PDT Oct. 30, 2019. Screenshot from KTLA5.

Typos, let us know HERE, and specify which article. Please read the commenting rules before you post a comment.

Author: Bill Gabbert

After working full time in wildland fire for 33 years, he continues to learn, and strives to be a Student of Fire.

3 thoughts on “Easy Fire causes evacuations near Reagan Presidential Library”

  1. Goats. We need more goats. Perhaps like free ranging grazing cattle. Sorry, my brother-in-law has a few goats and will agree and enjoy that goats are great for maintaining a landscape.

    0
    0
  2. What are pro and cons about using aerial grenades filled with fire retardant. It seems to me that they could be delivered by our vast USAF (like the numbers used in the Normandy landing when my sky was black with planes)! We do not have any new significant technical changes to our fire fighting methods. A shovel and a worn out and exhausted firefighter has proved to be no match for high wind driven wildfires.

    0
    0

Comments are closed.