Los Angeles, Ca
Live updates: Wind-driven Mountain Fire burns dozens of homes, threatens thousands more
Firefighters hope to take advantage of a break in the winds Thursday morning as they continue to battle the Mountain Fire in Ventura County that has already scorched thousands of acres and destroyed dozens of homes.
The fire broke out just before 9 a.m. Wednesday near Balcom Canyon Road and Bradley Road, north of the 118 Freeway. Initially reported as a 50-acre fire fueled by brush and Santa Ana winds, it jumped the freeway and exploded to over 14,000 acres by Wednesday night.
According to Cal Fire, the fire was mapped at 14,500 acres and had no containment as of 7 a.m. Thursday.
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The Mountain Fire is seen from Sky5 during the early morning hours on Nov. 7, 2024. (KTLA) -
A house is engulfed in the flames of the Mountain Fire as the wildfire scorches acres in Camarillo Heights, Camarillo, California, on November 6, 2024. (Photo by ETIENNE LAURENT/AFP via Getty Images) -
Sky5 aerial view of homes destroyed in the Mountain Fire in Ventura County, California on Nov. 6, 2024. (KTLA) -
A firefighter pulls a hose in front of a burnt house as the Mountain Fire scorches acres in Camarillo Heights, Camarillo, California, on November 6, 2024.(Photo by ETIENNE LAURENT/AFP via Getty Images) -
Sky5 aerial view of homes destroyed in the Mountain Fire in Ventura County, California on Nov. 6, 2024. (KTLA) -
Sky5 aerial view of a brush fire in Somis, California on Nov. 6, 2024. (KTLA) -
Sky5 aerial view of home ablaze from the Mountain Fire in Ventura County, California on Nov. 6, 2024. (KTLA) -
Residents evacuate horses from the path of the Mountain Fire in Ventura County, California on Nov. 6, 2024. (KTLA) -
Sky5 aerial view of home ablaze from the Mountain Fire in Ventura County, California on Nov. 6, 2024. (KTLA) -
Sky5 aerial view of homes destroyed in the Mountain Fire in Ventura County, California on Nov. 6, 2024. (KTLA) -
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KTLA 5 News reporter Sara Welch reports from Camarillo Heights as a home goes up in flames on live television. (KTLA) -
Sky5 aerial view of a brush fire in Somis, California on Nov. 6, 2024. (KTLA)
Video showed countless homes burning as the fire raged throughout the day and night. The exact number of homes destroyed is still unknown as officials say it is still too dangerous to survey the area.
Fire officials said thousands of homes in Moorpark, Camarillo, Camarillo Heights and Santa Paula remained threatened Thursday morning. Mandatory evacuations have forced more than 10,000 people from their homes.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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An evacuation center was established at Padre Serra Parish, 5205 Upland Ave., in Camarillo. Large animals could be brought to the Ventura County Fairgrounds at 10 E. Harbor Blvd. Smaller animals can be taken to Ventura County Animal Services at the Camarillo Airport, 600 Aviation Drive.
The Ventura County Office of Education announced that dozens of schools will be closed on Thursday due to the fire.