Mountain Fire Destroys 12 Homes Burns Over 14000 Acres in Ventura County

The Mountain Fire in Ventura County has destroyed at least 12 homes and scorched over 14,000 acres. Fueled by dry Santa Ana winds, the fire spread rapidly through Somis and Camarillo, prompting widespread evacuations. Approximately 800 firefighters are working overnight to contain the blaze, with several people injured and ongoing investigations into the fire’s cause.

CONTENTS:

• Strong winds fuel Southern California wildfire.
• Mountain Fire spreads, triggering evacuations.
• Mountain Fire destroys homes, burns 14,000 acres.

Mountain Fire Destroys 12 Homes Burns Over 14000 Acres in Ventura County

Strong winds fuel Southern California wildfire

Mountain Fire Destroys 12 Homes Burns Over 14000 Acres Fire season is in full effect as strong winds, reaching speeds of up to 60 miles per hour, are intensifying a fast-spreading wildfire in Southern California. The Mountain Fire has already burned thousands of acres in Ventura County, threatening homes and businesses near Camarillo.

A large-scale response has been mobilized, including five strike teams from Auburn, Placer County.

Cal Fire Battalion Chief Nick Salas emphasized that while there has been some recent precipitation, California remains in conditions that are highly conducive to fires, and the ongoing wind event is exacerbating the situation. The winds are expected to persist until Friday, creating a highly dangerous environment for the fire.

The Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit of Cal Fire has dispatched five engines and approximately 20 crew members to assist with firefighting efforts. Chief Salas noted that the rapid spread of the Mountain Fire is a particularly extreme situation.

Meanwhile, parts of the Sacramento Valley also experienced gusty winds on Wednesday, triggering red flag warnings and high fire risks, prompting caution for residents in vulnerable areas. Chief Salas stated that the state is not yet out of danger regarding fire season.

In response, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California has secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant from FEMA to help with firefighting efforts. He stressed the urgency of the situation, noting that the fire is advancing rapidly and endangering lives. The federal support will provide critical resources to help state and local firefighters protect communities and properties.

Mountain Fire spreads, triggering evacuations.

Mountain Fire Destroys 12 Homes Burns Over 14000 Acres The Mountain Fire, which began around 9 a.m. in the vicinity of Balcom Canyon Road and Bradley Road in Somis, quickly grew in size due to powerful Santa Ana winds, spreading embers and flames across a large, populated area.

By 4 p.m., the fire had already consumed over 10,000 acres, destroying numerous homes in Camarillo.

Evacuation orders were issued for several areas, including the region from North Lewis Road to the Los Posas Country Club, extending north to Loop Drive (Camarillo Heights), west to the unincorporated Somis area, and east to Balcom Canyon Road, as well as south to Highway 118.

Mountain Fire destroys homes, burns 14,000 acres

Mountain Fire Destroys 12 Homes Burns Over 14000 Acres The Mountain Fire, a fast-moving wildfire in the Somis and Camarillo areas of Ventura County, has destroyed at least a dozen homes and burned over 14,000 acres by Wednesday evening. The fire began just before 9 a.m. near Balcom Canyon Road and Bradley Road, north of the 118 Freeway. By 11 a.m., the fire had crossed the freeway and was spreading through homes in the Camarillo Heights area. Evacuations were ordered, with many residents struggling to evacuate with their property and large animals, such as horses.

Around 800 firefighters were working to contain the fire, which was fueled by dry Santa Ana winds. Firefighting efforts continued overnight with ground resources and night-flying helicopters. Hundreds of mutual aid firefighters were arriving from across California to assist.

While damage estimates are pending, officials confirmed that several people had been injured and hospitalized. Mandatory evacuations were issued for both the Somis and Camarillo areas, with an evacuation center set up at Padre Serra Parish in Camarillo. Large animals were being directed to the Ventura County Fairgrounds, and smaller animals were being taken to Ventura County Animal Services at the Camarillo Airport. The fire was not yet contained by late evening, and its cause is still under investigation.