A Southern California wildfire that was driven by high winds has destroyed at least 132 structures and forced more than 10,000 people to evacuate.
The fire in Ventura County has burned 20,596 acres and is 7% contained. The Mountain Fire, which started on Wednesday, prompted evacuation orders in nearby Oxnard as well as evacuation warnings for nearby towns. The fire is threatening thousands of homes in and around the communities of Somis, Camarillo and Saticoy.
“The fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain, with dry and receptive fuels, which have challenged containment efforts,” an update from CalFire states. “Fire activity moderated due to the decrease in winds over the fire. The fire continued to back in areas where it had not been tied into control lines. The fire remains a threat to critical infrastructure. Islands of unburned fuel will continue to burn within the fire footprint.”
Related: High Winds in Southern California Drive Two Blazes
The fire has inured six people, according to CalFire.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced approval from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help ensure the availability of resources to Ventura County.
Resources assigned to the fire include 2,420 personnel, 378 engines, 20 water tenders and 14 helicopters.
The cause of the blaze is under investigation.
Another wildfire that sparked in California’s upscale Malibu beach community also on Wednesday amid the powerful winds sweeping apart the state’s southern region was nearly fully contained.
The Broad Fire in Los Angeles County, which had shut down Pacific Coast Highway between Web Way and Corral Canyon, grew to 50 acres. It was 98% contained, according to CalFire.
The cause is under investigation.
Topics
California
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