California is experiencing severe wildfires fueled by strong winds, particularly the Mountain Fire, which has prompted evacuation orders for over 10,000 residents. The fire, located northwest of Los Angeles, has grown from less than half a square mile to 22 square miles in just over five hours, threatening 3,500 structures in suburban areas around Camarillo.
As of late Wednesday, the fire was reported at 0% containment, with firefighters battling the blaze amid billowing smoke that has limited visibility. A red flag warning remains in effect due to high fire danger, with wind gusts reaching up to 61 mph and humidity levels dropping to as low as 8%.
In response to the escalating situation, California Governor Gavin Newsom has requested federal assistance for the affected areas. The Ventura County Fire Department has deployed over 800 firefighters, with many more on the way, as officials continue efforts to manage the situation.
In addition to the Mountain Fire, another blaze near Malibu has prompted authorities to temporarily close the Pacific Coast Highway. Residents in the area have been advised to shelter in place as aerial resources work to contain the flames.
Power outages have affected over 65,000 customers in Southern California as utilities proactively shut down equipment to prevent further fire risks. This series of fires is occurring in regions previously affected by devastating wildfires, including the 2018 Woolsey Fire and the 2017 Thomas Fire.