Solimar Fire 70 percent contained after charring more than 1,200 acres

VENTURA, Calif. -- A wind-fueled brush fire that charred 1,236 acres near a Ventura County beach is now 70 percent contained, Cal Fire officials said.

The blaze, which Ventura County Fire Department officials believe was started by a downed power line, scorched hillsides near Solimar Beach and prompted temporary evacuations for the area.

Residents were eventually allowed back to their homes by Saturday afternoon, but Emma Woods State Beach campgrounds remained closed.

Both directions of the 101 Freeway to State Route 33 and State Route 150 were also shut down until 5 p.m. Saturday.

Two flare ups erupted Saturday night, one inside the burn area and another 2-acre spot fire just outside the fire line. Strong north winds started the small brush fire that was pushed toward the 101 Freeway, but firefighters quickly knocked it down.

By Sunday morning, only 426 firefighters were at the scene working to fully contain the fire. According to the VCFD Facebook page, two firefighters suffered minor injuries.