14,000-acre California fire burns down homes
The 14,000-acre “Mountain Fire” has burned down homes across the Camarillo, Moorpark and Somis areas.
VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. – A fast-moving fire burning near Moorpark has triggered mandatory evacuation orders and road closures as forecasters warned of the potential for “extreme and life-threatening blazes.”
The Mountain Fire — which has scorched 14,431 acres at last check — was reported around 9:40 p.m. Wednesday on South Mountain, near the 7900 block of Balcom Canyon and Bradley Road.
It crossed Highway 118 and spread to the Camarillo Heights neighborhood, prompting additional evacuations.
Fire explodes in Ventura County, destroys homes
Flames quickly spread over the 118 Freeway and began threatening the Camarillo Heights neighborhood of Camarillo within about two hours.
Images from SkyFOX show fast-moving flames damaging dozens of homes, and the Ventura County Fire Department reported that several people had been injured and taken to hospitals.
At a press conference Wednesday afternoon, officials said because of weather conditions in the area, they were “expecting” a fire to break out. Shortly after the fire started, VCFD officials said firefighters went right into rescuing residents.
“”Firefighters were right off the bat engaged in pulling people out of their houses and saving lives,” said Trevor Johnson with the VCFD.
How firefighters can ‘run out’ of water
As crews in Camarillo Heights battle the Mountain Fire in Ventura County, some crews are reporting dry fire hydrants, saying they’re out of water. The Ventura County Fire Department explains how that can happen.
Out of water
Due to the massive firefight, fire hydrants were out of water across Camarillo. Water in fire hydrants will replenish themselves, however officials say there is no water left for it to be replenished. The California-American Water Company is urging people in the area not to use water if possible.
- North of Somis: North of E. Los Angeles Highway/Highway 118, West of Balcom Canyon Road, East of La Vista Avenue
- Saticoy Country Club: East of Los Angeles Avenue/Highway 118, South of Clara River, North of Beardsley Road
- South of Highway 118, west of N. Lewis Road, north of North Loop Drive and Mission Drive, east of Fairway Drive
- West Camarillio (Las Posas/Spanish Hills areas): North of Las Posas Road, south and east of Central Avenue and Beardsley Road, West of Anacapa Drive
- South of Santa Clara River, east of Los Angeles Avenue, north of Saticoy Country Club, west of Briggs Road
- North of Highway 101, south and east of Beardsley Avenue, south of Central Avenue
- East of Santa Paula Community Golf Course, north along Santa Clara River, west of South Mountain Road at Sespe Street
Evacuation Warnings
- South of S. Mountain Road, east of Briggs Road, west of 12th Street and Bixby Road
More than 20 homes destroyed in Mountain Fire
At least 20 homes destroyed as wind-driven fire continues to grow in Ventura County.
Evacuation shelters
- Padre Serra Parish: 5205 Upland Road in Camarillo
- Large animals: Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 E. Harbor Blvd. in Ventura
- Small animals: Ventura County Animal Services (Camarillo Airport), 600 Aviation Drive, in Camarillo
- Northbound Lewis Road at Las Posas
- Eastbound Highway 118 at Wells Road
- Westbound Highway 118 at Tierra Rejada Road
School Closures
The following Ventura County school districts will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 7 and Friday, Nov. 8:
- Mesa Union School District
- Santa Paula Unified School District
Fire information hotline
Those with questions can call 805-465-6650.
Dangerous fire weather conditions
“Due to extreme wind conditions, fixed-wing aircraft are unable to assist in firefighting efforts,” authorities said. “Ground crews, helicopters, and mutual aid resources are actively working to protect lives and property.”
Residents in Southern California are facing an extreme fire weather threat on Wednesday due to dry conditions paired with strong Santa Ana winds.
“There is increased confidence of a stronger, more widespread, and longer duration Santa Ana wind event which will likely bring widespread critical fire weather conditions to many wind prone areas of Los Angeles and Ventura counties Wednesday into Thursday,” according to the National Weather Service, which called the forecast a “Particularly Dangerous Situation red flag warning event in many areas.”
Isolated wind gusts between 80 and 100 mph are possible in the San Gabriel Mountains and foothills, with similar winds expected again in the mountains Thursday night.
Camarillo homes fully engulfed by flames
Dangerous Santa Ana winds are fanning the blaze, which ignited near the 7900 block of Bradley Road and Balcom Canyon Road shortly before 9 a.m.
Wind-prone areas of LA and Ventura counties could experience damaging gusts of 50 to 70 mph likely for areas including the Malibu and Ventura coasts, LA basin, Lake Casitas, and Ojai, the NWS added. The Channel Islands and Catalina Island are also expected to see gusty winds associated with red flag conditions.
Additionally, Southern California Edison said it preemptively shut off power for more than 46,000 customers, including more than 12,000 in Los Angeles County. Power shutoffs are being considered for more than 200,000 customers due to the risk, the company said on its website.