Wildfire in Southern California forces thousands to flee amid high winds

Firefighters in Ventura County, California, continue to battle a fast-growing wildfire that has forced thousands to evacuate and destroyed at least 168 structures so far.

The “Mountain Fire,” as this round of wildfires has been dubbed by authorities, broke out last Wednesday morning and scorched around 32 square miles of land. The cause is still being investigated.

Authorities said the size of the fire remained relatively stable, despite strong winds that initially fueled its growth.

On Sunday evening, firefighters reported a slight increase in containment, now at 31 percent, up from 26 percent the day before.

Where is the wildfire in California?

Ventura County Fire Chief Dustin Gardner said he was relieved that no fatalities had been reported, although damage from the fire was extensive.

During a town hall meeting, he said: “I am grateful for the number of lives saved and the fact that we have not reported any deaths.”

The fire, which first gained momentum Wednesday, was fueled by gusts of up to 80 miles per hour that carried embers over long distances and sparked new fires in surrounding communities.

Crews faced difficult conditions: winds pushed the flames into residential areas and orchards 2.5 miles from the main fire front.

How strong are the winds expected to be?

Despite the extreme conditions, firefighters carried out 136 rescue operations and pulled residents out of harm’s way as the fire spread rapidly.

On Saturday, evacuation orders for several areas were downgraded to warnings as winds died down and temperatures remained mild.

However, the National Weather Service has warned that another round of northeasterly winds could return on Tuesday, although they are expected to be weaker than the previous gusts that worsened the fire’s growth.

Meteorologist Ryan Walbrun said, “They won’t be nearly as strong as the winds that occurred at the start of this fire.”

But he warned that even weaker winds could cause fear among residents who have experienced the worst intensity of the fire.

How much disruption did the wildfires cause?

Agriculture officials in the region have reported that the fire caused an estimated $2.4 million in damage to farm operations, particularly avocado, citrus and berry crops.

The fire also caused significant disruption to local residents, with entire communities having to be evacuated throughout the week.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency for Ventura County, underscoring the severity of the disaster and its impact on residents and industries.

As firefighters continue their efforts, public safety officials are focused on preventing further deaths and controlling the spread of the fire as conditions stabilize.

Although containment numbers are improving, authorities remain on high alert.

The Mountain Fire is part of a series of destructive fires that have hit the region in recent years, highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by extreme weather and dry conditions in Southern California.

This article contains additional reporting from The Associated Press