Update: Fire Near Base of Conejo Grade Grows, Moves Toward Coast

1 a.m. Friday update—As of its last update, the Ventura County Fire Department reported the Springs fire had grown to 8,000 acres and was 10 percent contained.

By about 7:30, the fire had spread through Sycamore Canyon in Point Mugu State Park and by 9 p.m., Craig Sap, State Parks Superintendent for the Angeles District, told Patch "We just lost Sycamore Canyon Campground. The fire swept down the canyon with such velocity there was no opportunity to defend."

Only 15 homes had sustained damage, though none were destroyed, VCFD said. About 2,000 homes had been threatened, however.

The number of personnel committed to the fire has grown to 925.

Evacuations were taking place in sycamore Canyon, La Jolla Canyon and Brome Ranch. Dos Vientos residents with identification are being allowed back into the area.

5 p.m. update—A smoke advisory has been issued due to smoke coming from some burning agricultural buildings near the Cal State Channel Islands campus. The Ventura County Fire Department is advising everyone in the area to make all efforts to avoid the smoke.

Nearly 600 firefighters and law enforcement officials are on the scene along with 96 fire engines, six helicopters and five dozers.

2 p.m. update— The Ventura County Fire Department reports the fire has spread to 6,500 acres. Weather conditions have caused the grounding of fixed-wing air tankers that had been helping combat flames.

Pacific Coast Highway between Las Posas Road and the Ventura County/Los Angeles County Line has been closed.

Currently there are more than 500 firefighters battling the fire or en route to the fire.

Evacuations have been ordered for California State University Channel Islands.

See a map of the fire's footprint in the photos section.

Updated at 12:30 p.m.—Moorpark drivers heading home from the Camarillo and Oxnard areas should be safe to take the 101 Freeway despite a fire that started near the base of the Conejo Grade.

As of 12:30 p.m., the California Department of Transportation is indicating traffic in the area is moving freely again, as the fire burns toward the ocean. The California Highway Patrol has reopened all lanes of the 101.

Ventura County firefighters first responded to the fire near southbound 101 and the Camarillo Springs Road exit at about 6:30 a.m.

The Ventura County Star, which covers that area, is keeping a running update on the fire. As of 9:30 a.m., the fire had grown to about 100 acres but by about 12:20 p.m., fire officials said it had grown to about 6,000 acres, according to the Star.

Are you seeing smoke in Moorpark or from work outside of Moorpark? Post a photo to this story or send one to Moorpark@Patch.com.