Mountain Fire Rages in Ventura County, Destroying Homes and Forcing Evacuations
A wildfire, dubbed the Mountain Fire, has ripped through Ventura County, destroying 132 structures, mostly homes, in less than two days, The Associated Press reports.
The fire, which began Wednesday morning, has burned some 32 square miles and is currently 5% contained.
The blaze has injured ten people, most suffering from smoke inhalation or other non-life-threatening injuries. An additional 88 structures have been damaged, although the extent of the damage is unclear.
As of Thursday, approximately 10,000 residents remained under evacuation orders. The fire continues to threaten some 3,500 structures in suburban neighborhoods, ranches, and agricultural areas around Camarillo.
Firefighters are working to protect homes on hillsides along the fire’s northeast edge near Santa Paula, home to over 30,000 residents. The fire’s cause remains under investigation.
Santa Ana Winds Fuel the Blaze
The fire’s rapid spread was fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, notorious for their dry, warm, and gusty conditions. While these winds have begun to subside in lower elevations, they remain strong in higher areas. Red flag warnings, indicating high fire danger, have been lifted in most areas, except for the Santa Susana Mountains.
Schools Closed, Power Outages Implemented
Over a dozen school districts and campuses in Ventura County remain closed due to the fire. Power has been shut off to nearly 70,000 customers in five counties as a precaution against potential fire hazards.
State of Emergency Declared
Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Ventura County. This fire follows a string of devastating wildfires in Southern California in recent years, including the 2018 Woolsey Fire and the 2017 Thomas Fire. The current fire serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing fire danger in the region, especially during periods of strong Santa Ana winds.
