Firefighters in Southern California are making significant progress in containing the Mountain Fire that has caused destruction to over 130 structures. The fire, which broke out in Ventura County, has been held at 32 square miles and is now 17% contained. This positive development comes as gusty winds have subsided, and favorable weather conditions are expected to continue through the weekend.
The fire, which started on Wednesday, quickly spread due to dry, warm, and gusty northeast winds. Thousands of residents were forced to evacuate, and around 3,500 structures were at risk in suburban neighborhoods, ranches, and agricultural areas near Camarillo.
Red flag warnings, indicating high fire danger, have expired in most of the region, providing relief to the firefighters. The current weather conditions, with light winds ranging between five and 10 mph, are aiding firefighting efforts. However, smoky air continues to linger in the area, affecting air quality.
Meteorologists from the National Weather Service in Oxnard have stated that the weekend weather forecast is favorable for firefighting operations. While some winds are expected to return on Tuesday, they are not anticipated to be as strong as those experienced earlier in the week.
The region northwest of Los Angeles has a history of destructive fires, and the Mountain Fire is no exception. The fire rapidly expanded from less than half a square mile to over 16 square miles in just a few hours on Wednesday, with wind gusts exceeding 61 mph.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in Ventura County to ensure that resources are available to combat the fire effectively.
