As the Santa Ana winds pick up throughout November 2024 and California recovers from five months of dry air, Ventura County is considered a “hot spot” for brush fires.
On the morning of Nov. 6, 2024, a brush fire named “The Mountain Fire” ignited in the Camarillo and Somis area. As a result of the strong winds coming from the northeast, the fire spread, quickly burning over 8,900 acres by 2 p.m..
Late that morning, the fire burned the Bradley Roads and Balcom Canyon area. By 10:45 a.m. the fire blazed into Camarillo Heights. As first responders rushed to the scene, nearby towns including Santa Paula and Ventura were affected by the bright red smoke covering the sky. With forceful winds, the smoke covered the Saticoy and Midtown area of Ventura. Information about the fire’s location, acreage, containment and zones under evacuation was posted on the California Fire website.
As the blaring sound of phone alarms went off and residents hurried to their homes, evacuation orders were given to the following areas by 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday: Zones 1, 2, 3, 4 and 8. These zones included north of Somis, the Saticoy Country Club, areas south of Highway 118, Camarillo Heights area and south of South Mountain Road with Zone 8’s evacuation lifted at 5:34 p.m.. In Camarillo, a shelter was opened to those affected by the wildfire. Aside from human evacuations, areas opened for animal evacuation, as school and road closures followed.
Students at Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) made their way home, greeted with high speed winds of 22 miles per hour and a dark, gray, smoke-filled sky, by 3 p.m. The Mountain Fire burned 10,400 acres.
Residents of Ventura County fear the worst as back in 2017 the Thomas Fire burned over 281,893 acres. While both fires had significant characteristics, both causes of the fire included the Santa Ana winds. The Mountain Fire is a fast-spreading wildfire consuming homes, forcing widespread evacuations and power outages.
The majority of Ventura County is consumed by smoke, an orange tint and no power, awaiting more information on the fire. A mass amount of residents were under evacuation warnings and orders.
By the evening of Nov. 6, 2024, the fire had burned 14,148 acres, causing mandatory evacuations throughout Ventura County, power outages and leaving several structures burned, including residences. All Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) schools were closed on Nov. 7, 2024, due to poor air quality and evacuation warnings.
As first responders make a diligent effort to contain the fire, Ventura County residents give their attention to making sure that those who are affected by the fire are supported. Moving forward, Ventura County will continue to be an image of resilience.
