LOS ANGELES (CNS) – Crews from Los Angeles and Orange counties and across the state are among the hundreds of firefighters working Friday to battle a massive wildfire in Ventura County that has forced thousands of people from their homes, left at least five people and one firefighter injured and destroyed more than 100 structures amid fierce Santa Ana winds.
The Mountain Fire was reported Wednesday morning on South Mountain near the 7900 block of Balcom Canyon and Bradley roads in the Somis area, according to the Ventura County Fire Department. The blaze quickly exploded in size, fueled by the terrain and driven by gusting Santa Ana winds. The flames eventually jumped the Ronald Reagan (118) Freeway in the Camarillo Heights area and chewed their way to the west, north and south.
As of 7:20 a.m. Friday, Cal Fire put the size of the blaze at 20,596 acres, with 7% containment and an estimated 11,768 structures threatened.
“The fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain, with dry and receptive fuels, which have challenged containment efforts. Fire activity moderated due to the decrease in winds over the fire,” Cal Fire said in a status report. “The fire continued to back in areas where it had not been tied into control lines. The fire remains a threat to critical infrastructure. Islands of unburned fuel will continue to burn within the fire footprint.”
Ventura County fire officials announced Thursday evening that inspections of the burn area determined that 132 structures had been destroyed and 88 others were damaged.
About 10,800 electrical customers in Ventura County were without power as of Thursday evening, according to county officials, Southern California Edison set up community resource centers at the Arroyo Vista Recreation Center in Moorpark, Simi Valley Senior Center at 3900 Avenida Simi, and the Ventura Beach Marriott at 2055 Harbor Blvd.
The following road closures are in effect, according to Cal Fire officials:
Ventura County Sheriff Jurisdiction:
— Crestview Northbound at Bella Vista;
— Las Posas Northbound at Lewis;
— Aprisa Northbound at Ponderosa;
— Waters Road from Stockton.
California Highway Patrol Jurisdiction:
— Santa Clara Eastbound from the 118;
— Balcom Westbound from the 118.
Ventura County Public Works Jurisdiction:
— East Road from Posita Road to Stockton Road;
— Posita Road from Balcom Canyon Road to East Road;
— Shekell Road from Broadway Road o CA-23;
— Central Avenue from Rose Avenue to Santa Clara Avenue;
— Valley Vista Drive from Fairway Drive to Crestview Drive;
— Fairway Drive from Fairway Court to Valley Vista Drive;
— Center School Road from CA-118 to Fairway Drive;
— Clubhouse Drive from Los Angeles Avenue to Northridge Drive;
— La Cumbre Road from CA-118 to Donlon Road;
— Donlon Road from CA-118 to Bradley Road;
— Stockton Road from Balcom Canyon Road to Grimes Canyon Road;
— La Vista Avenue from CA-118 to W. La Loma Avenue;
— Price Road from CA-118 to E. La Loma Avenue;
— Aggen Road from CA-118 to La Loma Road;
— Berylwood Road from Bradley Road to Aggen Road;
— Bradley Road from Old Balcom Canyon Road to Berylwood Road.
The Los Angeles Fire Department announced Wednesday it had dispatched nearly 100 firefighters to the blaze, including at least five strike teams, along with another team that included fire personnel from Beverly Hills, Culver City and Santa Monica.
The Glendale Fire Department also sent crews to the fire lines. The Angeles National Forest sent two engine strike teams, two hotshot crews, two helicopters, and several fixed-wing aircraft to help fight the fire.
Sheriff’s officials said a total of 10 injuries have been reported from the fire, all considered minor, with most involving smoke inhalation.
About 10,000 people were evacuated. Evacuation shelters were set up at Padre Parish, 5205 Upland Road in Camarillo, for large animals at the Ventura County Fairgrounds at 10 E. Harbor Blvd. in Ventura, and for small animals at the Camarillo Airport at 600 Aviation Drive in Camarillo.
Northbound Lewis Road at Las Posas, eastbound Highway 118 at Wells Road and westbound Highway 118 at Tierra Road were closed.
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday afternoon that the state had secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help with the firefight. On Thursday, Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency in the county due to the fire.
A total of 2420 personnel were assigned to the fire, including 378 engines, 34 hand crews and 14 helicopters, fire officials said.
“This is a dangerous fire that’s spreading quickly and is threatening lives,” Newsom said in a statement. “California has mobilized state resources, including personnel, engines and aircraft from Cal Fire and Cal OES, to protect communities as our fire and emergency response teams work around the clock to combat this fire. Stay safe and remain alert for instructions from local authorities as dangerous fire weather conditions continue.”
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