Firefighters in Southern California made significant progress on Saturday against a wildfire that has destroyed over 100 structures. The containment was aided by calmer winds and favorable weather, which are expected to continue throughout the weekend.
Evacuation orders in Ventura County were reduced to warnings in several areas. The Mountain Fire, which has scorched around 32 square miles (83 square kilometers), was 21% contained as of Saturday, according to local authorities. Firefighters benefited from lighter winds, mild temperatures, and low humidity, allowing fuels to burn off quickly, according to meteorologists with the National Weather Service.
“We had a very successful day with the favorable weather,” said Ventura County Fire Battalion Chief Nick Cleary.
The fire ignited early Wednesday and grew rapidly as dry, warm Santa Ana winds swept through, forcing thousands to evacuate and threatening about 3,500 structures in residential neighborhoods, ranches, and agricultural lands near Camarillo. More than 100 structures were destroyed, and an additional 25 were damaged, according to fire officials. Agricultural inspectors estimated the damage to avocado, citrus, and berry farms at roughly $2.4 million, reported the Ventura County Star.
Smoke blanketed the region and is expected to linger for several days. Weather forecasts indicate continued favorable conditions on Sunday and Monday, with low temperatures and a cooling onshore breeze. Another round of northeast winds is expected on Tuesday, though humidity levels should rise, and the winds are not anticipated to reach the intensity of the initial gusts, said meteorologist Ryan Walbrun.
This region northwest of Los Angeles has experienced some of California’s most devastating wildfires in recent years. The Mountain Fire spread from less than half a square mile (1.2 square kilometers) to more than 16 square miles (41 square kilometers) in just over five hours on Wednesday, with wind gusts exceeding 61 mph (98 kph).
Red flag warnings indicating extreme fire conditions were lifted across most of the area by Thursday.
Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in Ventura County as the firefighting efforts continue.
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