Update on Springs Fire and Photos From Rancho Sierra Vista and Dos Vientos

This morning the Ventura County Fire Department gave an update on the Springs Fire that indicated the fire remains at 28,000 acres and that the hard work by firefighters yesterday and overnight has increased containment to 60%. There have been five minor injuries to firefighters, including two falls and three with debris in their eyes. Personnel assigned is 1,856, including 212 fire engines and six helicopters. It is expected that the de-mobilization process will begin today and some firefighters will be sent home or to other fires. All evacuation orders have been lifted. Tremendous work, firefighters!

According to the National Park Service as of 9am today all trails west of Yerba Buena Road are currently closed (Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa, Point Mugu, Sandstone Peak and Mishe Mokwa Trailheads, and the Backbone Trail west of Mishe Mokwa to Yerba Buena Rd). Check www.nps.gov/samo/index.htm for updates. Here are some photos of burned areas in Rancho Sierra Vista and Dos Vientos, but the good news is that structure damage was very minimal. No damage to the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center and other structures in Rancho Sierra Vista. Other photos at this link.

Near Sedona homes in Dos Vientos

This bench overlooking the Potrero Grade in Dos Vientos survived just fine

View down toward Conejo Mountain Memorial Park in Camarillo, which was not impacted by the fire

Springs Fire Photos From Newbury Park Looking Towards Sycamore Canyon

As of 7:52PM tonight, the Ventura County Fire Department noted that the Springs Fire that originated in Camarillo Springs this morning is now 8,000 acres and 10% contained. 2,000 homes have been threatened, 15 sustained damage and none were destroyed (which is incredible if you've been watching this on the news). 925 personnel are now committed to the fire. Additional information, including road closures and mandatory evacuations are at fire.countyofventura.org. Scenes tonight from Newbury Park, looking towards Sycamore Canyon are below. The smoke plume was dwarfing Boney Mountain.

Smoke plume in Sycamore Canyon around 6:20PM

As you can see, the smoke billowing out of Sycamore Canyon dwarfed Boney Mountain

Another look at sunset

Dos Vientos is war torn and tattered, but hanging in there as the sun sets.

At the End of a Hot Weekend, the Clouds Roll In to the Conejo Valley

Last night at sunset was a fun time to watch the cloud cover make its way into the Conejo Valley. One great viewing spot was from the Conejo Mountain Edison Power Line Road accessible via trails in the Dos Vientos section of Newbury Park. The clouds and setting sun made for an eerie feeling as daylight turned to darkness in Ventura County.

Views towards Boney MountainViews towards the power linesThe fog rolling in to Dos VientosThe sun setting over the cloud covering the Oxnard plainThe fog creeping up into Newbury ParkAnd another view of the fog making its way past the power lines

Click this link for descriptions of other local trails and hikes in and around Ventura County!

Views on a Clear Day From Rancho Potrero Open Space in Newbury Park

A short walk up the trailhead of the Rancho Potrero Open Space in Newbury Park, where Lynn Road becomes Potrero Road, provides beautiful views of the surrounding area. On a clear day you can easily see several of the Channel Islands from here. Learn how to get there at this link.

Lizard Rock in Wildwood Park Backed by a Cloudy Thousand Oaks Sunset

For quick access to great views any night in Thousand Oaks, one need not go far. One such sunset viewing standout is Lizard Rock in Wildwood Park. Lizard Rock is just over a mile from the main entrance to Wildwood Park at the east end of Avenida de los Arboles. Walk/run/hike over Mesa Trail towards Lizard Rock and you will be treated to beautiful views of the surrounding spaces where shows like Gunsmoke and The Rifleman were filmed.

The entrance area and dirt parking lot at the Wildwood Park main trailhead.Lizard Rock in the distanceTaking in the surrounding sceneryAlmost thereI guess it does kind of look like a LizardView from on top of the lizardLet's call it a night