On Saturday, July 4, at 11:40pm, a call went out for a fire at the Fillmore High School Sports Complex construction site, that ignited building insulation stacked on wood pallets. Pictured is the aftermath of the fire. Fillmore Engine 91 responded, along with Ventura County Fire. The fire was put down in about three hours; Fillmore Engine 91 stayed on scene until approximately 7am. Common insulation materials include fiberglass, wool, cellulose, and rigid foam. The incident is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.

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On Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 4:10pm, the Chloe Fire ignited, burning over 100 acres near the Los Angeles and Ventura County lines, west of Val Verde and north of SR-126, Castaic. By Thursday morning it was 38% contained at 282-acres, with forward progress stopped. No evacuations were required, and no injuries or structural damage were reported. Pictured is a view of the smoke from Hasley Canyon to the east. Photo credit Kai Willen. Inset, a helicopter about to make a water drop on the flames. Cause of the fire is under investigation.

A STOP sign has been installed at the Central Avenue exit of the city parking lot, located between the 200 block of Fillmore Street and Central, north of SR-126. A young boy was hit on his E-bike at the location on June 5, 2025, and taken to a local hospital. The exit has a blind corner, and the sign will serve to stop drivers from rolling onto the sidewalk without stopping first. Thank you, City of Fillmore, for working to keep our citizens safe. Photo credit Gazette staff.

Join us for a night of fireworks in Fillmore! The City of Fillmore will host a professional fireworks display on Friday, July 3, at 9:00 PM. The show will be launched from the grassy field at Fillmore Middle School, located at 543 A Street. Bring your family, find a great viewing spot, and enjoy the celebration! Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/cityoffillmore.

Pictured is SC River Conservancy President Ron Merkord, along with board member Heather Miranda, speaking at last week’s Fillmore City Council. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Also pictured is a wildlife viewing platform near the Santa Clara River.

Santa Clara River Conservancy President Ron Merkord President, along with board member Heather Miranda, spoke at last week’s Fillmore City Council meeting emphasizing awareness of habitat restoration and preserving the water supply along the Santa Clara River. The conservancy has already restored over 800 acres of riparian habitat. Their flagship project is the Cienega Springs Ecological Reserve on property just behind the Fillmore Fish Hatchery, which is owned by CDFW. This reserve consists of 234 acres of once degraded habitat, some of which was once a watercress farm, and much of which was covered in Arundo donax and tamarisk. This 4-year restoration project is now almost complete, with over 60,000 native plants put in. This project also features public access trails down to the river, with wildlife viewing platforms and rest areas along the ADA accessible trails.

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The Sheriff’s K-9 Unit was established in May 1986 with one dog and a deputy handler. It has since grown to seven full-time Patrol K-9 Teams. The teams are stationed in Ventura, Fillmore, Ojai, Camarillo, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, and the remote region in northern Ventura County known as Lockwood Valley. All Patrol K-9 Teams are cross-trained in narcotics detection and are on call 24 hours a day. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
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The Fillmore Police Department invited all members of the public to join them at a community-centered event and enjoy a cup of iced coffee or iced tea with local members of public safety last Wednesday, June 26. This event was geared towards meeting your local police and fire department members with an emphasis on fireworks safety, with the Fourth of July around the corner.
Special appearances were made by Fillmore City Fire Department, Ventura County Probation, Sheriff’s Bomb Squad, Sheriff’s S.W.A.T members, and local supporters, Starbucks Coffee, Roan Mills Bakery, and 7-Eleven. Thank you Fillmore PD!!
We encourage you to enjoy the Fourth of July holiday responsibly and with consideration for the safety of all members of the public and their respective property. With the anticipated increase of the city’s population during the festivities, in addition to the inherent dangers associated with illegal fireworks, the Fillmore Police Station will have extra patrol deputies on patrol throughout the city of the Fillmore over the holiday weekend.
The Fillmore Police Department wants to remind the citizens of the following information pertaining to illegal fireworks and the fines associated with these crimes:
• “Safe and Sane” fireworks, bearing the seal of the State Fire Marshal, can be legally sold, possessed, and enjoyed in the city of Fillmore between 12:00 PM, June 28th, and 12:00 PM, July 5th.
• Violators may be cited for violating city municipal codes and are subject to a $1000.00 fine, for possessing illegal fireworks or may be arrested for more serious offenses. If you witness any illegal firework activity, please call the Sheriff’s Communication Center at (805) 654-9511 or, if there’s an immediate threat to life or property, 9-1-1. Residents are also encouraged to call the fireworks tip line at (805) 524-1500 extension 350.
• Scan the QR code below to learn more about fireworks safety.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence in providing information to assist our agency. We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships.
Join us in the fight on crime by following us on X @fillmoresheriff, Facebook, Instagram @VCSHERIFF, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.
Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote
News Release Date: June 22nd, 2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
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Nature of Incident: Coffee with the Badges
Report Number: N/A
Location: Fillmore Police Station East Parking Lot
Date & Time: June 26th 10 AM – 12 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Police Station
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Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).