Ventura County Firefighters battled a wind-driven blaze in the Santa Clara River bottom, Monday, June 22nd, starting at 1pm. The human-caused fire started at the most southerly end of Peck Road and quickly advanced to 12th street, Santa Paula. Highway 126 remained open but off ramps at Peck, Palm and 10th Street were closed, reopening Monday night. South Mountain Road was closed between the 12th Street Bridge and Balcom Canyon. A voluntary evacuation notice was issued but later lifted. As of press time approximately 164 acres had burned, and the fire was 80% contained. Air crews could be seen dropping flame retardant on the fire, above. Photo courtesy Bob Crum.