Firefighters Gain Ground, but Southern California Wildfire Continues to Burn

VENTURA, Calif. — Improved weather over the weekend helped firefighters increase containment on the wildfire burning northwest of Los Angeles, though roughly 1,000 homes remain under evacuation.

The Mountain Fire, which began on Wednesday, has destroyed over 130 structures and damaged an additional 88. Ventura County officials reported that containment had reached 31% by Sunday evening, a significant increase from just 7% on Friday. Nearly 3,000 firefighters are actively working to control the blaze.

Initially igniting in Ventura County, the fire quickly spread with the help of fierce Santa Ana winds and dry conditions, crossing a highway and threatening residential areas. More than 10,000 people were evacuated, with orders and warnings still in place for parts of Camarillo, as well as unincorporated areas around Camarillo, Somis, Santa Paula, and Fillmore.

By Thursday evening, the fire had burned approximately 20,640 acres, but as winds calmed, firefighters were able to halt its growth. As of Sunday, the fire area had reduced slightly to an estimated 20,630 acres, with firefighting efforts now focused around Santa Paula and Camarillo Heights, according to Cal Fire operations chief Clint Swensen.

Injuries and Damage

At least 10 people have sustained non-life-threatening injuries, primarily from smoke inhalation, but no fatalities have been reported, said Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff. Some crews experienced difficulties due to low water pressure and power outages, which delayed their efforts. Images of destruction have surfaced from hard-hit areas like Camarillo Heights, where homes were burned down to foundations and chimneys.

“The devastation is absolutely heartbreaking,” Fryhoff remarked.

While residents from 3,500 evacuated homes have been permitted to return, officials hope to allow residents from about half of the remaining 2,000 evacuated homes to return over the weekend. At the height of evacuations, over 10,000 people were displaced.

Improved Weather Conditions

Red flag warnings have expired, with onshore ocean winds now bringing cooler, moister air. The National Weather Service predicted these milder winds over the weekend, a welcome change from the Santa Ana winds that brought dry air and high fire risks on Wednesday and Thursday.

Forecasters noted that Santa Ana winds are expected to return by Tuesday, although with less intensity than last week. Fire weather conditions are still elevated inland through Sunday, and there’s a slight chance of light rain on Monday.

Air Quality Conditions

Persistent smoke and ash from the fire prompted an air quality alert for Ventura County through late Saturday, with officials urging residents to stay indoors and wear N95 masks if engaging in outdoor activities. By Sunday, as onshore winds improved air quality, levels moved closer to “good” on the AirNow scale.

Impact on Agriculture

Initial assessments estimate $2.4 million in damage to Ventura County’s agricultural industry, primarily affecting avocado, citrus, and berry crops. County Agricultural Commissioner Korinne Bell noted this estimate only covers about 2% of the fire-affected area, so the losses are expected to increase. Damage likely includes agricultural infrastructure such as fences, irrigation systems, and outbuildings, Bell told the Ventura County Star.

“We’ve just started our surveys and have much more to assess,” she added, indicating that the full extent of the losses is still being determined.

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