Voluntary evacuations urged as firefighters battle blaze threatening homes in Calif.

Brush fire threatening homes in S. California

CAMARILLO, Calif. — Voluntary evacuations have been urged for residents of about 50 homes in the Southern California city of Camarillo, where a wildfire has burned about 50 acres.

Ventura County Fire Capt. Ron Oatman says about 250 firefighters were working Tuesday to put out the blaze, along with four helicopters and four air tankers.

Oatman says voluntary evacuations have been issued for homes in the Highlands neighborhood and the community of Somi. He says the fire is burning uphill and away from homes through steep canyons.

The blaze sent up huge plumes of smoke that could be seen for miles.

Oatman says the fire had burned right up to backyards, but most residents had cleared space around their property.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

CAMARILLO, Calif. (AP) — A 20-acre widlfire threatened homes and sent up huge plumes of smoke Tuesday afternoon about 50 miles northwest of Los Angeles.

Fire spokesman Bill Nash says around 150 firefighters worked in the neighborhood of Camarillo Heights as flames inched toward homes near Highway 101.

Two helicopters were dropping water on the flames and two more air tankers had been ordered.

Nash says the fire is being driven by fuel and steep terrain, but most residents have cleared space around their homes.

No evacuations have been ordered so trucks can get access to the twisty roads. Residents are being asked to shelter in place.

The neighborhood is a mix of large new houses and older homes.