By A fast-moving wildfire in Southern California has destroyed 132 structures, primarily homes, and damaged 88 others in less than two days, fire officials reported Thursday, as the fierce Santa Ana winds that fueled the blaze showed signs of subsiding.
The Mountain Fire, which erupted Wednesday morning in Ventura County, has grown to approximately 32 square miles (83 square kilometers) with only 5% containment. Ten people have suffered non-life-threatening injuries, mostly from smoke inhalation, according to Ventura County Sheriff James Fryhoff.
Approximately 10,000 residents remain under evacuation orders as the blaze threatens 3,500 structures across suburban neighborhoods, ranches, and agricultural areas around Camarillo. Fire crews, supported by water-dropping helicopters, are focusing their efforts on protecting homes along the fire’s northeast edge near Santa Paula, a city of 30,000 residents.
“This was their forever retirement home,” said Kelly Barton, watching firefighters sift through the ruins of her parents’ ranch house in Camarillo. Her father managed to save four vintage cars before flames consumed their home of 20 years, but lost two others, including a cherished Chevy Nova he’d owned since age 18.
Ariel Cohen, meteorologist in charge at the National Weather Service in Oxnard, reported that while Santa Ana winds were diminishing in lower elevations Thursday evening, gusty conditions persisted in higher terrain. Red flag warnings will expire Friday morning in the Santa Susana Mountains, though forecasters predict another round of Santa Ana winds early next week.
The blaze has struck a region with a history of destructive fires, including the 2018 Woolsey Fire that killed three people and destroyed 1,600 homes, and the 2017 Thomas Fire that consumed more than 1,000 structures. Southern California Edison, which has paid millions in settlements after its equipment was blamed for both previous fires, has cut power to nearly 70,000 customers across five counties as a precautionary measure.
Marcus Eriksen, whose Santa Paula farm was threatened by the flames, credited firefighters with saving his home and vehicles while battling 30-foot flames. “We dodged a bullet, big time,” he said, praising their efforts to protect his property even as piles of compost and wood chips burned.
Governor Gavin Newsom has proclaimed a state of emergency in Ventura County as the fire continues to threaten communities. More than a dozen school districts have closed, with some expected to remain shuttered Friday.
The cause of the Mountain Fire, which explosively grew from less than half a square mile to more than 16 square miles in just five hours on Wednesday, remains under investigation.
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