Powerful Santa Ana winds near Los Angeles are fanning some of the most serious wildfires in years in Southern California.
The constant 50-70 mph wind gusts have produced the ideal combination of conditions, resulting in rapid fire spread and widespread evacuations.
These factors contributed to the devastating Mountain Fire in Ventura County on Wednesday. CAL FIRE reports that the fire has scorched more than 20,000 acres. Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for sections of Ventura, Camarillo, Moorpark, and Somis, California.
According to officials, the Mountain Fire that started in Ventura County on Wednesday morning has yet to be contained and has harmed numerous individuals. The Ventura County Fire Department reports that at least 800 firemen have responded to the location.
According to reports, the fire destroyed numerous residences but caused no casualties. Ventura County Supervisor Jeff Gorell’s videos show dense smoke near Camarillo. In another footage, firemen are seen attempting to suppress the blaze.
Firefighters maintained their continuous battle against the flames overnight, using a combination of ground workers and night-flying helicopters. Hundreds of mutual aid personnel from around California continue to arrive on the site, as the fast-moving fire has destroyed countless structures.
Damage assessments are likely to start on Thursday. The cause of the fire is being investigated.
According to the FOX Forecast Center, the Santa Ana winds peaked Wednesday morning, but strong and gusty northeasterly to easterly winds will continue into Thursday. While Thursday’s weather will be less intense, they will still be quite conducive to fire spread.
The highest gusts of 50-60 mph will occur along and below the mountains’ coastal slopes, notably around the Mountain Fire. The National Weather Service has issued a rare “Particularly Dangerous Situation” Fire Weather Warning for Ventura and Los Angeles counties, which will also have the lowest daily humidity.
On Wednesday, NOAA’s GOES-West satellite captured images of the Mountain Fire. The satellite video shows fire glowing red in the distance, with massive plumes of smoke blowing off the coast of California.
The wildfires also caused school closures and power outages. The smoke from the flames has also had a substantial impact on air quality, prompting health warnings for locals.