CAMARILLO, Calif. (AP) — A rapidly spreading wildfire fueled by strong winds continued to devastate a community northwest of Los Angeles for the second day on Thursday, destroying dozens of homes and forcing thousands to evacuate after quickly expanding in size within hours.
Known as the Mountain Fire, the blaze led to evacuation orders on Wednesday for over 10,000 residents as it threatened around 3,500 structures, including suburban homes, ranches, and farms near Camarillo, California. Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statement on the unfolding emergency, while the Ventura County Fire Department reported 0% containment as of late Wednesday.
The National Weather Service extended a red flag warning—signifying extreme fire risk—through 6 p.m. Thursday, though it expected winds to diminish by the evening.
Authorities across Southern California warned residents to prepare for rapidly spreading fires, potential power outages, and fallen trees as Santa Ana winds swept through the region.
The Mountain Fire is burning in an area known for California’s most destructive fires. By Wednesday, dense smoke covered neighborhoods, reducing visibility for firefighters and evacuees alike. Within five hours, the fire exploded from under half a square mile (about 1.2 square kilometers) to over 16 square miles (62 square kilometers).