A wildfire in Southern California has destroyed 132 structures, mainly homes, within two days of starting. The fire began in Ventura County and grew to 32 square miles with only 5% containment, and its cause has not been identified. Ten people have been injured, mainly from smoke inhalation and non-life-threatening injuries. Officials stated that 88 other structures were damaged, but did not specify the cause of the damage.
Ventura County officials said 10,000 people were under evacuation orders as the Mountain Fire continued to pose a threat to around 3,500 structures in suburban neighborhoods and agricultural areas near Camarillo. Crews were working to protect homes on hillsides near Santa Paula. For one family watching their parents lose their retirement home, the devastation was heartbreaking, but there were still some treasures discovered in the ashes. The Santa Ana winds were causing concern in several Southern California counties, urging residents to prepare for fire risks, power outages, and falling trees.
The high winds reversed the normal Pacific moisture flow to offshore, creating dry, warm winds that typically appear during the fall and winter months. Despite starting to subside in lower elevations, the winds remained gusty in higher elevations with a few red flag warnings remaining in place until mid-morning the following day. The Mountain Fire burned rapidly and reached 32 square miles, prompting Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency in the county. Local farmers were concerned about the flames reaching their properties but were relieved that firefighters managed to save most of their assets.
Residents such as Sharon Boggie were able to avoid losing their homes to the fire, which had come alarmingly close to their properties. The fast-moving fire sparked concerns over power lines causing future blazes, prompting utilities in California to shut off power to around 70,000 customers in fire-prone areas. Southern California Edison, which had previously been at fault for starting past fires, had begun cutting off power to prevent further incidents. The fires occurred in regions that had previously experienced devastating fires, such as the Woolsey and Thomas fires that destroyed thousands of homes and claimed lives in recent years.
In instances like the Mountain Fire, firefighters’ efforts in stopping the spread of embers played a crucial role in saving communities and residences. Although many buildings were lost, the swift work of emergency services helped to contain the blaze and prevent further destruction. The Ventura County Office of Education had to close numerous schools due to the fire, with some expected to remain closed the following day. With the possibility of Santa Ana winds returning in the following week, residents remained vigilant against the threat of rapidly spreading fires that have become all too common in Southern California.
