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Evacuations Ordered as Wildfire Rages Through Ventura County, Destroying Homes and Disrupting Communities
A fast-moving wildfire, dubbed the Mountain Fire, broke out in Ventura County on Wednesday morning, rapidly burning over 10,500 acres. The blaze was ignited just before 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time and has since spread quickly, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds. By mid-morning, the fire had crossed Highway 118 near Camarillo Heights, leading authorities to issue widespread evacuation orders.
The fire has already caused injuries, with several people being transported to local hospitals. However, specific details about their conditions remain unclear. Cal Fire has stated that the fire poses an “immediate threat to life,” prompting mandatory evacuations in several zones.
High winds, which have exceeded 70 mph, are complicating firefighting efforts. More than 25 million people in California have been under red flag warnings this week, due to extreme heat, low humidity, and dangerous wind conditions. The powerful winds have grounded aircraft that typically drop fire retardant, forcing firefighters to rely solely on ground crews and helicopters.
In Camarillo Heights, several homes have been destroyed, and many more remain at risk. Firefighters from Ventura and Los Angeles counties are working to protect the area, but the fire's intensity, combined with dry vegetation, has made it difficult to contain.
As a precaution, Camarillo Heights Elementary School was evacuated, with students being relocated to Monte Vista Middle School. Fortunately, no injuries or property damage have been reported within the school district.
Meanwhile, the thick smoke from the fire has impacted nearby Camarillo, where power outages have knocked out traffic signals and caused major delays. An evacuation center has been set up, and authorities are urging residents to heed evacuation orders as the fire continues to spread.
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