October 13, 2026
Fillmore, CA — The City of Fillmore has been awarded a grant through the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council to remove hazardous, flammable brush around the City’s perimeter. The Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council is leading the project, which includes three phases intended to reduce wildfire risk near homes and public infrastructure.
Crews have begun marking areas for cutting. Work on the second and third phases, along Sespe Creek and the Santa Clara River, is anticipated to begin the week of October 19, 2026. These phases will be conducted simultaneously and are expected to take several days. The second phase will focus on the Sespe Creek bike path on the west end of Fillmore. Crews will clear a continuous 15-foot-wide strip of brush adjacent to the entire bike path to help protect the split rail fence infrastructure and increase defensible space for homes bordering Sespe Creek.
The third phase will address areas adjacent to the Santa Clara River on the south side of Fillmore, above the high-water mark. Most of this work will follow the established bike path and include removal of heavy pockets of Arundo donax near Gasway Drive and the Highway 23 bridge approach.
Arundo donax, commonly known as giant reed, can crowd out native vegetation, reduce wildlife habitat, and increase fire danger. Removing this invasive plant can help reduce these risks and support healthier river corridors.
Portions of the bike paths will be closed intermittently as crews work in the area. Residents and visitors are asked to follow posted signs and directions from personnel, observe closures, and use caution near work areas. Signage will also be posted to alert drivers, who are asked to watch for crews and equipment and drive cautiously.
For questions or additional information, please contact the City of Fillmore Fire Department, Fire Chief Keith Gurrola at kgurrola@fillmoreca.gov. To stay updated, make sure to follow the City of Fillmore on Facebook and Instagram and visit our website at www.Fillmoreca.gov
Press Release Prepared by:Angel Garcia, Sr. Management Analyst
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