Firefighters in Southern California have made progress in battling a destructive wildfire that has ravaged parts of Ventura County. The blaze, known as the Mountain Fire, has consumed over 32 square miles and destroyed 132 structures since it began on Wednesday. As fierce winds that fueled the fire's rapid spread begin to subside, some residents are returning to assess the damage.
The fire, which started near Camarillo, a city northwest of Los Angeles, has forced thousands to evacuate. As of Friday morning, it was 7% contained, with firefighters working tirelessly to protect homes and property.
Maryanne Belote, a Camarillo resident, returned to find her hillside home of 50 years reduced to ashes. Despite the devastation, she remained resilient, saying, "I have my family and I have my animals, so I'm OK. I will rebuild."
Bill Nardoni and his family also returned to their Camarillo home on Friday, sifting through the rubble. While they managed to recover his wedding ring from a safe, his wife's ring remained missing. Nardoni described the scene as "decimated," with little left to salvage.
The cause of the fire remains undetermined. Ten people have suffered non-life-threatening injuries, mostly from smoke inhalation. Firefighters continue to focus on protecting homes near Santa Paula, a city of over 30,000 people.
The recent round of Santa Ana winds, known for their ability to rapidly spread wildfires, has prompted officials in several Southern California counties to urge residents to remain vigilant. These dry, warm, and gusty northeast winds typically occur during fall and winter months, creating dangerous fire conditions.
While red flag warnings have expired in most areas, air quality alerts remain in effect due to smoke from the wildfires. The Santa Ana winds are expected to return early to mid-next week, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Ariel Cohen.
Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in Ventura County. As firefighters get relief from improving weather conditions, residents and officials alike remain on high alert for any new fire outbreaks in the region.