Single Publication

Apache Fire Incident Update July 26, 2024

Apache Fire Phone: 213-631-5455 Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Apache Fire Email: 2024.apache@firenet.gov

Apache Fire Start: Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at 6:31 p.m.

Cause: Under investigation

Location: Maricopa Highway and Apache Canyon Road, Cuyama Valley, Ventura County

Size at time of update: 1,552 acres
Containment: 0%

Personnel: 214

Incident Details: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/calpf-apache-fire

The Apache Fire ignited Tuesday evening in a remote area of Ventura County in the Los Padres National Forest. The fire, burning in a two-year crop of cured annual grass, spread quickly Wednesday as winds from nearby thunderstorms impacted the area. On Thursday, despite weather conditions favorable for fire growth, fire behavior moderated and fire crews supported by aircraft were able to regain ground lost the day before.

Today gusty winds are expected to challenge fire crews as they focus on improving on the progress made yesterday. Firefighters are working directly on the fire’s edge where possible, to hold the fire in Apache Canyon using dozers, engines, and hand crews. They are also preparing the areas around evacuated residences to protect the homes in case the fire does continue to grow. 

The fire is burning adjacent to Maricopa Highway (CA-33). The highway remains open. Motorists are encouraged be alert for firefighters and equipment in the area. Please check https://roads.dot.ca.gov/ prior to driving through the area.  

California Interagency Incident Management Team 2, a United States Forest Service incident command team has been assigned to manage the fire and is in unified command with the Ventura County Fire Department.

Forecast for Friday: Hot and dry weather is expected over the area today with temperatures ranging from 95-100 degrees and relative humidity in the low teens. Afternoon wind gusts of up to 28 mph are predicted in the area and could potentially lead to further fire growth.

Evacuation Areas: Current Apache Fire evacuation information can be found at https://www.vcemergency.com/The status of evacuations may change during the day. Ventura County residents are encouraged to sign up for https://www.readyventuracounty.org/vc-alert/ emergency notifications.

Social Media: 

https://www.facebook.com/lospadresnationalforest/

https://www.facebook.com/venturacountyfire/

https://x.com/vcfd