A fast-moving wildfire ignited by heavy winds was raging through a community northwest of Los Angeles and destroying dozens of homes while forcing thousands of residents to evacuate as it grew in size rapidly in a matter of hours. Known as the Mountain Fire, it prompted evacuation orders for over 10,000 people and put 3,500 structures at risk in suburban communities, ranches, and agricultural areas in Camarillo, according to California Governor Gavin Newsom. By late Wednesday, the fire was at 0% containment, presenting a major challenge for the Ventura County Fire Department as they struggled to control the blaze amidst the harsh conditions.
The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning, indicating high fire danger, which was set to remain in effect until Thursday evening. Despite this, there were expectations of decreased winds by Thursday night, offering a potential reprieve for firefighters battling the blaze. Authorities in several Southern California counties warned residents to stay alert for spreading wildfires, power outages, and falling trees due to the notorious Santa Ana winds in the region. The Mountain Fire was blazing in an area that has previously experienced some of California’s most devastating fires over the years, raising concerns about the extent of damages it might inflict.
Witnesses described a thick plume of smoke towering hundreds of feet into the air on Wednesday, enveloping entire neighborhoods and reducing visibility for both firefighters and evacuees. The fire surged from less than half a square mile to more than 16 square miles in a rapid span of five hours, illustrating the aggressive nature of the blaze. First responders pleaded with residents to evacuate as deputies reached out to 14,000 individuals urging them to leave while embers scattered over miles, sparking new flames. Ventura County Fire Captain Trevor Johnson highlighted the intensity of the situation, emphasizing the harrowing experiences of firefighters on the frontlines.
Amidst the chaos, two individuals suffered from apparent smoke inhalation and were swiftly transported to hospitals for treatment on Wednesday. Fortunately, no significant injuries were reported among firefighters battling the Mountain Fire. While resources including water-dropping helicopters and fire-retardant-carrying aircraft were deployed, the fire continued to burn uncontrollably, causing concerns about the number of structures already damaged by the inferno. Southern California Edison had paid substantial settlements in the past due to wildfires sparked by its equipment, indicating the potential financial losses associated with the ongoing blazes.
Los Angeles County Fire Department crews were engaged in containing a wildfire near Malibu’s Broad Beach, leading to authorities shutting down the Pacific Coast Highway temporarily as the flames encroached on upscale properties. Residents were advised to shelter in place during the firefighting efforts, which involved aircraft dropping water on the 50-acre Broad Fire. Despite these challenges, by late Wednesday, the fire was 60% contained and stopped from advancing further, offering a glimmer of hope for residents and firefighters. Forecasts suggested extreme fire behavior over the coming days in several parts of Southern California, warranting continued vigilance and preparedness.
Power shutoffs were implemented by utilities in response to the high winds and extreme fire risk, with over 65,000 customers in Southern California and more than 20,000 in Northern California experiencing outages preventatively in an effort to reduce fire risks. The fires on Wednesday unfolded in areas previously impacted by destructive wildfires like the 2018 Woolsey Fire and the 2017 Thomas Fire, both of which caused significant damage and loss of life. Ventura County fire spokesperson Andrew Dowd noted the challenges and uncertainties surrounding the containment of the wildfires, urging residents to follow safety protocols and evacuation orders to mitigate risks as the battle against the blazes continued.
