Utility re-energized lines minutes before Maria Fire sparked

Nov. 2 (UPI) -- Southern California Edison utility company said it re-energized its power lines in Ventura County minutes before the start of the Maria Fire, which has consumed three structures as of Saturday morning.

The blaze sparked to life Thursday night on the upper ridge of South Mountain, near Santa Paula. The town is about 45 miles northwest of Los Angeles and 35 miles east-southeast of Santa Barbara.

The Maria Fire had consumed 9,412 acres and was 20 percent contained, as of 8 a.m. Saturday, according to Cal Fire.

The Ventura County Fire Department said it has destroyed three structures and threatened 1,800 others, as well as radio communications and high-voltage electrical power lines in the area.

Officials ordered the evacuation of 10,800 people in the area.

Southern California Edison said that though it's not sure what caused the Maria Fire, the company did re-energize its power lines in the vicinity about 13 minutes before it sparked, the Ventura County Star reported. The company had previously cut off power to the area amid strong winds.

Ventura County Assistant Fire Chief John McNeil said Friday that fire crews made progress on the western side of the blaze.

"We're feeling more confident after a full day's work to today that that edge is getting more secure," he said.

Acres of avocado and citrus crops also were under protection by fire crews.

The county produced $244 million in lemons and $103 million in avocados in 2018, Ventura County's crop and livestock report indicates.

The Maria Fire was one of multiple blazes threatening both Southern and Northern California amid a strong Santa Ana Wind event -- strong winds with hot, dry weather conditions.

Easy Fire

Also in Ventura County, the Easy Fire sparked Wednesday in the Simi Valley near the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. The flames initially threatened the facility, but the VCFD was able to bring the fire under control.

As of Saturday morning, it had consumed 1,806 acres and was 95 percent contained.

Officials lifted all evacuations associated with the blaze Thursday.

Getty Fire

Closer to Los Angeles, the Getty Fire was coming under control at 745 acres and 79 percent containment as of Saturday morning. The Los Angeles Fire Department said firefighters were monitoring hot spots and officials lifted all evacuation orders.The department announced it won't be providing additional updates.

The blaze began Monday in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles. The LAFD said the cause appears to be accidental -- a tree branch broke and landed on a power line during high winds. The subsequent sparks ignited nearby brush.

The Getty Fire destroyed 10 homes and damaged 15 others. Five firefighters sustained injuries battling the blaze.

Hillside Fire

Just north of San Bernardino, the Hill Fire was 494 acres Saturday morning with 95 percent containment.

The blaze began Thursday morning and has since destroyed six homes and damaged 18 others. One firefighter was transported to an area hospital for smoke inhalation.

Officials lifted evacuation orders Thursday afternoon.

Kincade Fire

The state's largest ongoing fire is the Kincade Fire in Northern California, about 75 miles west of Sacramento in Sonoma County.

The blaze, which sparked to life Oct. 23, was 77,758 acres and 72 percent contained as of Saturday morning. Though emergency officials lifted some mandatory evacuation orders, some orders were still in place Saturday morning, the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office said.

The Kincade Fire destroyed 352 structures, including 174 homes, and damaged another 55.