Strong winds helped push along a wildfire in Ventura County that quickly grew to 14,148 acres by Wednesday evening, Nov. 6 — causing injuries, prompting evacuations and burning dozens of homes.
Two residents were transported to hospitals to be checked for smoke inhalation, said Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff. Dozens of homes burned, The Associated Press reported.
Damage inspection teams will likely further quantify the damage Thursday, the Ventura County Fire Department said. Officials said 3,500 structures were threatened in the area as more than 10,000 people were evacuated, The AP reported.
• Also see: This map shows the location of the Mountain fire burning in Ventura County
Gov. Gavin Newsom requested federal assistance for the area east of Ventura as the fire continued to burn, with no containment as of early Wednesday evening.
As crews from fire departments across the region work to contain the fire, Ventura County Fire Chief Dustin Gardner said the blaze was spotting more than two-and-a-half miles ahead of itself and being propelled by winds of more than 50 mph with gusts over 80 mph.
“Bushes are burning. Grass is burning. Hedge rows are burning. Agriculture fields are burning and structures are burning,” Gardner said. “This fire is moving dangerously fast.”
“When you get an evac order from the sheriff, leave,” Gardner continued. “These aren’t one of these fires where you can wait and predict and maybe stay home. Your homes can be replaced, your lives can’t.”
While fire officials couldn’t provide a total number of firefighter injuries, Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Shea said no significant injuries have been reported. Multiple ambulances were in place for public and firefighter safety.
Firefighters responded to the blaze on South Mountain near the 7900 block of Balcom Canyon and Bradley roads, north of the 118 Freeway and southeast of Santa Paula, the Fire Department said, at 9:23 a.m.
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CAMARILLO, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 6: A firefighting helicopter flies near as a home burns from the Mountain Fire on November 6, 2024 in Camarillo, California. Pushed by strong winds, the fire has burned across more than 10,000 acres since it began this morning. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images) *** BESTPIX ***
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Early on, 140 firefighters were at the scene along with 58 fire engines and trucks. Helicopters were requested to assist.
Around 11 a.m., the fire jumped the 118 Freeway, forcing evacuations in the Camarillo Heights area. There were various road closures.
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