Fire crews are working tirelessly to combat a brush fire burning in the hills behind the CSU Channel Islands campus near Camarillo, authorities confirmed Thursday morning.
Dubbed the Laguna Fire, the blaze was reported just before 9 a.m. Initially, it was spreading rapidly, but favorable conditions allowed firefighters to launch an aerial assault. Ground crews are focused on protecting nearby structures from potential threats.
Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for the CSU Channel Islands campus, although authorities noted there was no immediate danger to the campus itself. Potrero Road in the area has been closed as a precaution.
By 9:15 a.m., around 100 firefighters were actively battling the fire. The National Weather Service reported gusty winds in the area, reaching speeds of 35 to 45 mph, adding challenges to firefighting efforts.
No further details, including the fire’s cause, have been released at this time.
