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Published on November 06, 2024
Evacuations Underway as Mountain Fire Scorching 1,000 Acres Rages in Ventura County Amid Red Flag WarningsSource: Facebook/Ventura County Fire Department

The Ventura County region is grappling with a fast-moving brush fire known as the Mountain Fire, which has brought forth mandatory evacuations and significant damage. As per reports from NBC Los Angeles, the fire initiated near the 7900 block of Balcom Canyon Road and Bradley Road, scorching around 1,000 acres thus far. The authorities had to issue evacuation orders for areas extending from N Hwy 118 to the ridgeline and Balcom Canyon Rd.

According to NBC Los Angeles, the Ventura County Fire Department indicated "140 firefighters are on scene, utilizing 58 fire apparatus, with additional helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft requested to assist," even though extreme wind conditions forced airborne firefighting efforts to be called off.

The inferno has compelled road closures and the establishment of several evacuation shelters in the area, including Padre Serra Parish for residents, Ventura County Fairgrounds for large animals, and Ventura County Animal Services for small animals. Gusty Santa Ana winds have complicated the firefighting efforts, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a "Particularly Dangerous Situation red flag warning event in many areas," as detailed by FOX LA. The service recorded isolated wind gusts between 80 and 100 mph in the San Gabriel Mountains and foothills.

Furthermore, the fire has resulted in at least one destroyed home while several people were injured and required hospital admission, as disclosed by KTLA. Evacuation orders remain in place for significant areas of Ventura County and are crucial for ensuring the safety of community residents.

Motorists in the region have been encouraged to remain vigilant and yield to emergency vehicles navigating towards the fire. While the fire's origins are yet to be uncovered, assessments and investigations are ongoing, CBS News noted.