Strong winds helped push along a wildfire in Ventura County that quickly grew to 10,431 acres by Wednesday afternoon — causing injuries and prompting evacuations.
Multiple people have been injured in the Mountain fire and transported to hospitals, the Ventura County Fire Department said, with numerous structures threatened. Fire officials didn’t specify the number of people injured or structures threatened.
Firefighters responded to the blaze on South Mountain near the 7900 block of Balcom Canyon and Bradley roads, the Fire Department said, at 9:23 a.m. Pacific time.
Early on, 140 firefighters were at the scene along with 58 fire engines and trucks. Helicopters were requested to assist.
Around 11 a.m., the fire jumped Highway 118, forcing evacuations in the Camarillo Heights area. There were various road closures.
Santa Ana winds impacting Ventura County have made the fire more difficult to extinguish.
“Due to extreme wind conditions, fixed-wing aircraft are unable to assist in firefighting efforts,” the department said on X. “Ground crews, helicopters and mutual-aid resources are actively working to protect lives and property.”
Into Thursday, wind gusts are expected to be between 30 to 55 mph. In the mountain areas, gusts as high as 100 mph are possible, according to authorities.
Due to the wildfire threats, 46 Southern California Edison electrical circuits are being watched for possible power shutoffs. SCE has opened community resource centers for those affected by power shutoffs in Moorpark, Simi Valley and Ventura.
“Should conditions in any area exceed Southern California Edison’s safety thresholds, electricity may be temporarily shut off to minimize the risk of ignition of a wildfire,” the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office said.
More information on road closures and evacuation zones can be found at vcemergency.com.
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