ASHES DRIFT FROM VENTURA COUNTY BLAZE; VALLEY RESIDENTS ALARMED BY SMOKE FROM OUT-OF-CONTROL BRUSH FIRE.

Byline: Daily News Staff and Wire Services

A huge cloud of smoke rose over Santa Clarita and parts of the San Fernando Valley on Tuesday night, as 150 firefighters in Ventura County fought an out-of-control wildfire that has charred some 1,000 acres.

Winds from the north blew ashes from the fire in the mountains above Fillmore and Santa Paula along State Route 126, which runs from the Six Flags Magic Mountain amusement park to Ventura.

San Fernando Valley residents, worried by the smell of smoke amid record high temperatures, called local fire stations for information about the blaze, which started about 2 p.m.

Three air tankers and three water-dropping helicopters helped battle flames.

Although the fire was mostly in the Los Padres National Forest above Fillmore, the glow of flames could be seen for miles. The only structure that appeared threatened was the Hopper Ranch, formerly used by the U.S. Forest Service for the condor program in the remote wilderness, said Joe Luna, a spokesman for the Ventura County Fire Department.

Meanwhile, hundreds of firefighters battled a blaze in Gorman that charred 60 acres near Copco and Quail Lake roads Tuesday night, authorities said.

The fire also forced the closure of Highway 138, said Deputy David Furedi of the Santa Clarita Valley sheriff's station.

The fire started about 7 p.m. The incident is under investigation.