During a news conference on Thursday morning, a Ventura County fire official stated that the cause of the Mountain Fire has not yet been determined. Ventura County fire Capt. Trevor Johnson emphasized the department's commitment to resolving the incident, which is part of their incident management strategy. However, the exact cause is currently under investigation.
The Ventura County Fire Department's investigation unit is actively working on determining various factors that may have contributed to the fire. One aspect being looked into is whether power lines played a role in causing the fire. Johnson mentioned that there are numerous potential triggers for a fire, and the investigation is crucial in identifying the specific cause.
Johnson highlighted that when a fire of such magnitude occurs, the immediate focus is on bringing stabilization and ensuring the safety of the affected areas. The investigative process is essential for understanding the root cause and implementing preventive measures in the future.
It is worth noting that utility companies have faced significant financial settlements in connection with destructive wildfires in California in recent years. This underscores the importance of thorough investigations and accountability in cases of wildfires.