Improved weather conditions have allowed firefighters to make significant progress on the Mountain Fire, which has been raging northwest of Los Angeles since Wednesday. The fire, which has destroyed more than 130 structures and damaged 88 others, was 31% contained by Sunday evening, up from just 7% on Friday. Nearly 3,000 firefighters have been working tirelessly to control the blaze.
The fire began Wednesday morning in Ventura County and spread rapidly due to strong Santa Ana winds and dry conditions. It quickly jumped a highway and threatened homes, prompting the evacuation of more than 10,000 residents. As of Sunday, evacuation orders and warnings were still in effect for areas like Camarillo, Santa Paula, Fillmore, and parts of Somis.
By Thursday evening, the fire had burned 20,640 acres, but cooler ocean winds began to improve conditions by the weekend. On Sunday, the fire’s size had slightly decreased to 20,630 acres. Fire officials are now focusing efforts on the Santa Paula and Camarillo Heights areas.
At least 10 people have been injured, mostly from smoke inhalation, but none of the injuries are life-threatening. Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff noted the destruction in Camarillo Heights, where homes were reduced to skeletal remains. Despite the devastation, authorities have allowed residents from 3,500 homes to return, with plans to bring back residents from another 2,000 homes soon.
The weather has cooperated over the weekend, with red flag warnings lifted as winds shifted, bringing in cooler ocean air. The National Weather Service forecasts that weaker Santa Ana winds will return by Tuesday, though their impact is expected to be far less severe. However, fire weather conditions may remain elevated inland through the weekend, with a slight chance of light rain on Monday.
Air quality, which had been hazardous due to smoke and ash, improved significantly by Sunday, reaching “moderate” levels. Ventura County had issued an air quality alert through Saturday, advising people to stay indoors and wear masks if going outside.
The Ventura County agriculture industry has also taken a hit, with initial damage estimates at $2.4 million. The fire affected avocado, citrus, and berry crops, and further assessments are expected to raise this figure as surveys continue. Damage also extends to agricultural infrastructure, including fences, irrigation lines, and outbuildings.
Firefighters continue their efforts to contain the Mountain Fire, with the situation improving steadily as the weather conditions remain favorable.
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