Ventura California wildfire
© Ventura Co. Aviation Unit
Sections of California's two scenic coastal routes — Highway 101 and the Pacific Coast Highway — were shut down west of Ventura early Saturday because of a rapidly expanding 1,200-acre wildfire driven by high winds, according to fire officials.

The Solimar Beach area, about 10 miles northwest of Ventura, was under mandatory evacuation orders and authorities also urged residents in nearby beach communities to leave the area, according to Capt. Mike Lindbery of the Ventura County Fire Department.

Authorities said about 30 homes were threatened by the fire, which began around 10:30 p.m.PST Friday.
Highway 101/Solimar Beach fire
© Via twitter@LACoFireAirOpNight brush fire 12/25/15 near Highway 101/Solimar Beach.
The Union Pacific Railroad was also asked to stop train traffic in the area.

The National Weather Service predicted sustained winds over over 60 mph in Ventura County Saturday evening.

Lindbery said that more than 600 firefighters were sent to battle the fire that is feeding off thousands of acres of drought-stricken forest and grasslands.


The city of Ventura is about 65 miles west of Los Angeles.