On Monday, December 7th at 11:44 AM a fire broke out in the Santa Clara riverbed south of Santa Paula, causing closures for both east and west bound lanes of Highway 126 at Briggs exit. The blaze is said to have been caused by a large tree falling onto power lines. With 35-plus mph Santa Ana winds it structures as well as agricultural operations. Evacuations were assessed
but did not take place. By 3 PM the fire grew to 174 acres, and between 4 PM and 5 PM the freeway closure was put into place. Tow-hundred fire fighters were sent out to battle the blaze; no damages were reported.