Powerful Winds Fuel Fast-Moving California Wildfire, Forcing Thousands to Evacuate

Powerful winds battered California on Wednesday, fueling a rapidly advancing wildfire that obliterated numerous homes and compelled thousands to evacuate. 

In the northwest of Los Angeles, the Mountain Fire surged in size, prompting evacuation orders for over 10,000 residents as it menaced 3,500 structures in suburban areas, ranches, and agricultural lands around Camarillo, according to a statement by Governor Gavin Newsom. Federal aid was approved for the region east of Ventura, as per a request granted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency on Wednesday.

This blaze struck an area historically plagued by some of California’s most devastating fires. A dense plume of smoke ascended hundreds of feet into the air, blanketing entire neighbourhoods and severely hindering visibility for both firefighters and evacuees. The fire’s expanse grew dramatically from under half a square mile to 16 square miles (62 square kilometres) in just over five hours.

Two individuals were hospitalized due to apparent smoke inhalation, and no significant injuries were reported among firefighters.

Strong winds and poor visibility grounded fixed-wing aircraft, with gusts reaching 61 mph (98 kph), said meteorologist Bryan Lewis from the weather service. However, water-dropping helicopters continued to operate.

First responders urged residents to evacuate. Deputies contacted 14,000 people to advise them to leave as embers ignited new flames up to 2.5 miles (4 kilometres) away.

“This fire is moving dangerously fast,” stated Ventura County Fire Chief Dustin Gardner.

Aerial footage from local news networks showed numerous homes engulfed in flames across various neighbourhoods, with embers jumping from house to house. Other footage depicted horses trotting alongside evacuating vehicles.

Despite deploying all available resources, including water-dropping helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft dropping fire retardant, the blaze remained uncontrolled on Wednesday afternoon. Andrew Dowd, a Ventura County fire spokesperson, could not provide details on the number of damaged structures.

Meanwhile, to the south, Los Angeles County Fire Department crews fought to contain a wildfire near Malibu’s Broad Beach. Authorities temporarily closed the Pacific Coast Highway as flames approached multimillion-dollar properties. Residents were advised to shelter in place while aircraft dropped water on the 50-acre (20-hectare) Broad Fire. By 12:30 p.m., it was 15% contained, with forward progress halted. Fire officials reported that two structures had burned.

The National Weather Service in Los Angeles upgraded its fire danger alert to a rare “particularly dangerous situation,” urging residents in several counties to be vigilant for fast-spreading fires, power outages, and downed trees amid the notorious Santa Ana winds.

Forecasts predicted gusts between 50 mph (80 kph) and 100 mph (160 kph) and humidity levels as low as 8%, creating conditions ripe for “extreme and life-threatening” fire behaviour into Thursday, the weather service warned.

Red flag warnings were issued until Thursday from California’s central coast through the San Francisco Bay Area and into northern counties, where strong winds were also expected.

Frances Ibiefo

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