Ventura County's Auto Fire erupts near golf courses as Santa Ana winds threaten Southern California

Evacuations are underway in Ventura County as the Auto Fire threatens nearby golf courses.

Firefighters are working tirelessly to contain a blaze that erupted in Ventura County on Monday. The "Auto Fire" was first reported at around 7:15 p.m. on January 13. The fire was located along the Santa Clara River, near Ventura Boulevard and Auto Center Drive in Ventura, California. It is near the Buenaventura Golf Course and River Ridge Golf Club, two popular spots in the area.

As of 8 p.m. on Monday, authorities have not disclosed how many acres have been burned by the Auto Fire, but officials are closely monitoring the situation.

The fire follows warnings for Angelenos to prepare for the return of Santa Ana winds this week. The strong winds may trigger new fires in various parts of Southern California, as conditions remain dry and vulnerable to fire outbreaks.

Although the winds are not expected to be as severe as last week, which contributed to the spread of the Palisades and Eaton fires, certain areas in Southern California could experience gusts reaching up to 70 mph at times this week. These gusts are anticipated to fuel the spread of wildfires and present additional challenges for containment efforts.

As of Monday, January 13, officials have not determined the cause of the fire, though investigations are ongoing. Early reports suggest that the location and intensity of the fire could indicate the need for a large-scale response.

The Ventura County Fire Department reported that about 75 firefighters are on-site working to prevent the fire from spreading further, with additional support from local agencies. Emergency response teams are prepared for extended efforts as the fire continues to pose a significant threat to both property and wildlife in the region.