The Mountain Fire in Ventura County, California, exploded to over 14,000 acres, forcing thousands to evacuate as fierce Santa Ana winds fueled its rapid spread.
At a Glance
- Mountain Fire in Ventura County has burned over 14,000 acres with 0% containment
- Over 10,000 people evacuated, 3,500 structures threatened, dozens of homes burned
- Winds over 50 mph, with gusts exceeding 80 mph, complicate firefighting efforts
- Governor Newsom requested federal assistance; FEMA approved funds for resources
- Southern California Edison cut power to nearly 70,000 customers as precaution
Rapid Spread and Evacuation Orders
The Mountain Fire erupted near South Mountain in Somis, quickly escalating into a major threat as powerful Santa Ana winds drove the flames across Ventura County. The blaze, which started at the corner of Balcom Canyon and Bradley roads, rapidly grew to over 14,000 acres, prompting urgent evacuations and causing several injuries.
Ventura County Fire Chief Dustin Gardner emphasized the danger, stating, “Bushes are burning. Grass is burning. Hedge rows are burning. Agriculture fields are burning and structures are burning. This fire is moving dangerously fast.” The fire’s rapid spread led to the evacuation of over 10,000 residents, with 3,500 structures under threat.
I spoke with evacuees at the raging Mountain fire has enveloped Ventura County. Many seniors with mobility issues didn’t receive an evacuation notice. A firefighter knocked on one the door shouting, “Go, go, go!” Another resident was warned by a cable man. https://t.co/9WcWOZYw0j
— Jireh Deng 鄧以樂 (@bokchoy_baobei) November 7, 2024
Challenging Firefighting Conditions
Firefighting efforts have been severely hampered by extreme weather conditions. Winds exceeding 50 mph, with gusts over 80 mph, have grounded fixed-wing aircraft and complicated ground operations. These “classic Santa Ana wind” conditions mirror those seen during the devastating 2018 Woolsey and 2019 Thomas fires.
The fire’s rapid expansion forced it to jump the 118 Freeway and approach Highway 101, causing significant traffic disruptions. Dense smoke affected air quality as far as Santa Rosa Island, further complicating evacuation efforts and posing health risks to residents.
State and Federal Response
Governor Gavin Newsom swiftly requested federal assistance to combat the blaze. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) responded by approving federal funds for firefighting resources, recognizing the severity of the situation. This move underscores the scale of the threat posed by the Mountain Fire to lives, property, and infrastructure in Ventura County.
Local authorities have established evacuation shelters for displaced residents and animals in Camarillo and throughout Ventura County. The Moorpark Unified School District evacuated several schools and canceled classes due to the fire’s proximity. Additionally, the National Weather Service evacuated its office in Oxnard, relocating to the Emergency Operations Center in Los Angeles to ensure continuous weather monitoring and forecasting for the affected region.
Preventative Measures and Ongoing Risks
In an effort to mitigate fire risks, Southern California Edison implemented preemptive power shutoffs, cutting electricity to nearly 70,000 customers. This measure aims to prevent electrical equipment from potentially sparking new fires in the dry, windy conditions. A red flag warning remains in effect for Ventura County, with dry conditions expected to persist until Thursday evening, maintaining the high fire danger.
As firefighters continue to battle the Mountain Fire, residents are urged to stay informed, heed evacuation orders, and prioritize safety. The situation remains dynamic, with the potential for further spread under the ongoing challenging weather conditions.
Sources:
Mountain Fire in Ventura County burns homes, poses ‘immediate threat to life’
Fire destroys California as Strong Winds Pick Up
