Firefighters in Southern California are battling a fast-moving wildfire that erupted in Ventura County, fueled by strong winds. The blaze has already destroyed multiple homes and forced over 10,000 people to evacuate as it continues to spread.
The Mountain Fire, which began Wednesday morning in the area northwest of Los Angeles, has scorched over 20,000 acres and was only 5% contained by 6:30 p.m. PT on Thursday, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).
As the fire worsened, evacuation orders were expanded to cover 12 areas, with officials focusing efforts on the northeast section of the fire near Santa Paula.
Damage and Casualties
So far, at least 10 people have been injured, with several suffering from smoke inhalation, though none of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening. Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff confirmed that over 400 homes were evacuated, while about 250 residents chose to remain behind. First responders also visited nearly 800 other homes, many of which were unoccupied at the time.
“The devastation is heartbreaking,” Sheriff Fryhoff said, underscoring the scale of the damage.
Fire officials have sent 10 damage assessment teams into affected areas, with early reports confirming the destruction of 132 structures, most of them homes. Another 88 structures were damaged. Teams are still inspecting other properties, but the process is slow and methodical to ensure safety, with firefighters checking for hazards such as gas leaks and downed power lines.
“This is a slow process because we have to ensure the properties are safe,” said firefighter Andy VanSciver, a spokesperson for Ventura County Fire.
The Fire’s Spread and Destruction
The fire is now threatening more than 3,500 structures, including homes and businesses, according to California Governor Gavin Newsom, who visited the area Thursday to assess the situation. Newsom was briefed on the fire’s impact and the ongoing firefighting efforts.
Firefighters have been working under extreme conditions, battling flames that have been described as moving “dangerously fast.” The fire has consumed bushes, grass, agricultural fields, and residential properties. In some areas, entire homes have been engulfed by flames. Photos taken from the scene show houses completely overtaken by the fire, with thick plumes of smoke rising from the wreckage.
“Bushes are burning, grass is burning, hedgerows are burning, agricultural fields are burning, and structures are burning,” said Fire Chief Dustin Gardner. “This fire is moving dangerously fast.”
With power lines also at risk, Ventura County officials have proactively shut off electricity in some areas to prevent new fires from sparking. By late Thursday, over 50,000 residents had been impacted by the power outages.
Ranch Owner Rescues Horses Amid the Blaze
Hilda Gurney, a ranch owner and former Olympic equestrian, was up early on Thursday, just before 4:30 a.m. As the fire began to spread, she managed to gather dozens of her horses and escape the danger zone, bringing them to evacuation stables at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.
“We just barely beat the fire,” Gurney said, reflecting on the tense moments as flames approached her ranch. Despite her concern that her property was likely lost, she was relieved to hear that Keenridge Farms was still standing after all.
“I hope I will be home tomorrow,” she added, clinging to a glimmer of hope.
Weather Forecast: Slight Relief Ahead
Meteorologists are cautiously optimistic that the winds fueling the fire will soon subside. Dr. Ariel Cohen, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, reported that the red flag warnings—signifying extreme fire risk—are set to expire later in the day, though they remain in effect for the mountain areas until Friday morning.
Once the winds calm down, Cohen expects onshore winds to increase humidity levels, which may help reduce the fire’s intensity. However, forecasters are warning that a weak to moderate Santa Ana wind event could return early next week, raising the fire risk again.
Firefighters Face Difficult Terrain
In the northeastern area of the fire, emergency responders are battling steep, rugged terrain that is difficult to access. The fire is currently concentrated in this region, where only the most skilled firefighters can safely work.
“The fire is in a tricky place,” said Captain Trevor Johnson of the Ventura County Fire Department. “It’s rugged, steep ground, so we have aircraft working there to contain the flames. We’re exploring multiple strategies to control it.”
Strong winds are complicating efforts, as embers are being carried for miles, making it difficult to contain the fire and prevent it from jumping to other areas.
“These types of fires, especially when we’re dealing with Santa Ana winds, are much more challenging than fires during the summer without these extreme wind conditions,” explained Drew Smith, assistant chief of the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
Fire Chief Commits to Staying with Community
Firefighters have been working tirelessly, with some teams on the ground for 36 consecutive hours. Fire Chief Dustin Gardner praised their perseverance, saying, “That’s a feat of human strength.”
As the battle continues, emergency personnel are committed to helping residents return home as soon as it is safe. Community liaisons will be available to assist residents in retrieving belongings and providing physical and emotional support in the days ahead.
“We will stay with our community until the very end and through all of this,” Gardner said.