Firefighters gain ground on California blaze that's destroyed 100 structures

Southern California firefighters gained ground Saturday on a wildfire that has ravaged more than 100 structures as gusty winds subsided with favorable weather conditions expected through the weekend.

Evacuation orders were downgraded to warnings for residents in several areas of Ventura County, where the Mountain Fire held at around 32 square miles and was 21% contained, authorities said.

Firefighters were aided by lighter winds, according to meteorologists from the National Weather Service.

“We had a very successful day with the favorable weather,” Ventura County Fire Battalion Chief Nick Cleary told reporters.

The fire broke out Wednesday morning and exploded in size amid the arrival of dry, warm and gusty northeast Santa Ana winds, forcing thousands of residents to flee and threatening 3,500 structures in suburban neighborhoods, ranches and agricultural areas around the community of Camarillo.

More 100 structures were destroyed and another 25 damaged, fire officials said Saturday after inspection teams fanned out to evaluate the impact. Agriculture officials assessing the toll on farmland sown with avocado, citrus and berries estimated the damage at $2.4 million.

The region northwest of Los Angeles has seen some of California’s most destructive fires over the years. The Mountain Fire swiftly grew from less than half a square mile to more than 16 square miles in little more than five hours on Wednesday, with gusts topping 61 mph.


(AP Photo Ethan Swope)