VENTURA : Cutting Torch Starts Small Fire on Pier

Heat from a cutting torch caused a small fire on the Ventura Pier, which is undergoing renovation, Ventura fire officials said Tuesday.

The fire erupted Monday in a piling under the pier, causing about $1,000 worth of damage, authorities said. The fire was reported about 7:45 p.m. and was extinguished by about 9:15 p.m.

The piling had been worked on earlier in the day, fire officials said. It was located about 250 yards from shore.

Firefighters could not get close to the piling from shore because there is a 60-foot gap in the pier due to the reconstruction that is going on, said Fire Department Battalion Chief Bill Rigg. Firefighters used a portable pump and fire hose to fight the blaze from a fireboat piloted by Harbor Patrol officers.