United States - November 08, 2024 A devastating wildfire, known as the Mountain Fire, has consumed over 20,000 acres and obliterated 132 structures, including homes, in the communities of Moorpark and Camarillo in Ventura County. The fire, which ignited around 9 a.m. on Wednesday in the Somis area, rapidly escalated under severe red flag conditions, propelling flames into neighborhoods. By November 8th morning, containment efforts had only reached 7%, as the fire continued to challenge firefighters by moving into steep and rugged terrain. The blaze initially spread to around 15,000 acres within just 24 hours of its start, with the potential to cause further damage as it encroaches on unburned fuel pockets within its footprint. Ventura County fire officials reported that alongside the destruction of structures, 88 others were damaged. The exact tally of homes lost was still under assessment, but the impact on the community was profound. Power outages affected approximately 10,800 customers, prompting Southern California Edison to establish community resource centers. Amidst the chaos, there were 10 reported injuries, all minor, mostly from smoke inhalation. The winds, which had initially exacerbated the fire's spread, eased slightly on Thursday, offering a small reprieve to the firefighting efforts. However, the threat to critical infrastructure persists, with the fire's unpredictable behavior in the difficult terrain. The Mountain Fire's origin near the 118 Freeway led to its rapid spread, crossing major thoroughfares and threatening the Camarillo Heights area. Evacuation orders have expanded, and road closures remain in effect, with the region still grappling with the aftermath of the blaze. As the state of California faces an alarming increase in wildfire activity, with over 1 million acres burned this year compared to last year's 308,000 at the same time, the Mountain Fire stands as a stark reminder of the escalating fire season influenced by climate conditions and dry fuel loads.