Firefighters battling the devastating Mountain Fire in California have reported progress after a turn in the weather offered much-needed relief. The wildfire, fueled by fierce Santa Ana winds, has destroyed at least 130 homes in Ventura County, forcing thousands to evacuate, often with only minutes to gather essentials.
The fire, which began Wednesday near Camarillo, quickly expanded to over 20,000 acres as 80 mph winds spread flames rapidly through neighbourhoods, destroying homes and leaving destruction in its wake. Winds eased on Friday, allowing firefighters, backed by more than 2,400 personnel, bulldozers, and aircraft, to contain 14% of the blaze.
“We had a very successful day,” said Nick Cleary of Ventura County Fire Department, crediting cooler onshore breezes and higher humidity for the progress.
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, while President Joe Biden approved a federal disaster grant to aid firefighting efforts. The blaze, exacerbated by an abundance of dry vegetation, has spotlighted the effects of climate change, which scientists say intensify California’s fire risks.