A devastating wildfire, known as the Mountain Fire, has rapidly expanded in size within just one day in Southern California, posing a significant threat to the region. The fire, which ignited in Ventura County west of Los Angeles on Wednesday morning, has already scorched a staggering 14,148 acres, according to Cal Fire officials. As of now, the fire remains uncontained, prompting widespread evacuation orders affecting thousands of residents.
The Ventura County Sheriff's Office has been actively engaged in evacuation efforts, making over 14,000 contacts to ensure the safety of local residents. The exact number of structures damaged by the fire is yet to be determined, but reports suggest that several buildings have already been destroyed or impacted. Governor Gavin Newsom's office estimates that approximately 3,500 structures are currently under threat from the blaze.
Adding to the challenges faced by firefighters, fierce winds are forecasted to intensify as the day progresses. With sustained winds reaching 20 to 30 mph and gusts of 40 to 50 mph expected, the fire containment efforts are likely to be hampered. Although the wind speeds are anticipated to decrease slightly later in the day, the dry conditions prevailing in the area continue to pose a significant risk.
The National Weather Service in Los Angeles has issued warnings about the potential for rapid fire spread and extreme fire behavior due to the prevailing weather conditions. The fire crews, comprising at least 800 firefighters and 58 fire engines, are currently battling the blaze on South Mountain. However, the unsafe conditions have limited the use of helicopters in the firefighting operations, as highlighted by Fire Captain Trever Johnson during a recent news briefing.
