Man identified as victim of Olivas Fire near Ventura

Authorities have identified a man who died in the Olivas Fire near Ventura in January. He was 55-year-old Troy C. Rowland, a transient. The Ventura County Medical Examiner's Office concluded that Rowland died from thermal injuries, and classified his death as accidental. Rowland's body was found after the fire started on January 8, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds. The blaze occurred in the Santa Clara River bottom, close to Olivas Park Drive and Harbor Boulevard, not far from the Olivas Links golf course. On that day, multiple fires ignited in Ventura County due to dangerous fire conditions. Officials believe that the Olivas Fire originated from a homeless encampment in the area. During the fire, residents of a nearby river bottom encampment were evacuated for safety. Several fire and law enforcement agencies worked together to manage the situation and are continuing their investigation. Capt. Rob Yoos from the Ventura County Sheriff's Department stated that authorities suspect a warming fire may have caused the blaze. Investigators are still trying to determine who was responsible for what they are calling a negligent fire.