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Cindy, this is the most recent update from the Ventura County Fire Department on the large fire in Moorpark, California.

Shekell Complex Fire Update
Final Update Until 0700, 12/4/06

(December 3, 2006, 7:24 p.m.) - A fire started at approximately 2:30 a.m. on December 3, 2006 in the area between Shekell Road, Grimes Canyon Road, Balcom Canyon Road and Stockton Road in Moorpark.

Approximately 4100 acres have burned. The Ventura County Fire Protection District and the California Department of Forestry have established a unified command. This unified command also includes mutual aid from various agencies including Ventura City, Oxnard City, Los Angeles County, Los Angeles City and Federal Fire of Ventura County. There are over 600 personnel currently on scene and it is estimated that over 800 personnel will be on scene by this evening.

There are currently about 3000 residences are threatened in the area with structure protection in place. Five structures have been damaged and five have been destroyed. Six out buildings have also been destroyed.
North East winds have been predicted through Wednesday, December 6, 2006. The wind is blowing at 20-25 mph with wind gusts of up to 70 mph.

Recommended evacuations are at Walnut Canyon, Broadway, College Heights, Grimes Canyon Corridor and Charles Street, Happy Camp, Campus Park and Lafayette. The Ventura County Sheriff's Department will advise residents of possible evacuations and advise everyone to be prepared.

Road closures are as follows:

Grimes Canyon Road
Bradley Road
Champion to Bardsdale Avenue
Princeton at Campus
Balcom Canyon
Evertt Street in Moorpark

An American Red Cross shelter has been opened at Royal High School at 1402 Royal Avenue in Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks Community Center at 2525 North Moorpark Road in Thousand Oaks.

There was an accident with one California Department of Forestry (CDF) Rig that tipped over. There was one minor injury. All personnel are back and working at the fireline.
School Information:

Moorpark School District - 805-378-6300
District will be closed on 12/4/06

Moorpark College - 805-378-1400

Somis Unified School District - 805-386-5711

Simi Valley School District - 805-520-6500

Animal Information:

For information regarding horses you may contact the Ventura County Fair Grounds at 10 West Harbor Boulevard in Ventura at 866-387-8911.

For information regarding pets and livestock you may contact the Ventura County Animal Regulation at 600 Aviation Drive at 888-223-PETS or 866-387-8911.

Small animals are being accepted in Simi Valley at 670 West Los Angeles Avenue.

Ventura County Fire Department