Current:Home > InvestFire crews gain greater control over destructive Southern California wildfire-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
Fire crews gain greater control over destructive Southern California wildfire
View Date:2024-12-23 14:30:29
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Favorable weather conditions helped fire crews gain more control over a Southern California wildfire that has destroyed 134 structures and damaged dozens more, authorities reported Sunday.
Crews increased containment of the Mountain Fire to 26% in Ventura County northwest of Los Angeles, up from 21% on Saturday night. The fire’s size remains around 32 square miles (about 83 square kilometers).
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Inspection teams continue to assess damage.
Evacuation orders were downgraded Saturday to warnings for residents in several areas of Ventura County as gusty winds subsided and firefighters were aided by mild temperatures and low humidity.
“The fire continues to creep and smolder in steep rugged terrain. Threats remain to critical infrastructure, highways, and communities,” according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, better known as Cal Fire.
The fire broke out Wednesday morning and exploded in size with 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.
Agriculture officials assessing the toll on farmland sown with avocado, citrus and berries estimated the damage at $2.4 million, the Ventura County Star reported.
Another round of northeast winds was expected Tuesday, but humidity was expected to rise and gusts were not expected to surge as high as those that fanned the fire, National Weather Service meteorologist Ryan Walbrun said.
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 (about 1.2 square kilometers) to more than 16 square miles (41 square kilometers) in little more than five hours on Wednesday, with gusts topping 61 mph (98 kph).
Red flag warnings indicating conditions for high fire danger expired in most of the region Thursday.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has proclaimed a state of emergency in Ventura County.
veryGood! (5941)
Related
- Federal judge denies request to block measure revoking Arkansas casino license
- How are big names like Soto, Ohtani, Burnes doing with new teams in MLB spring training?
- Texas firefighters battle flames stoked by strong winds as warnings are issued across the region
- Nikki Haley wins the District of Columbia’s Republican primary and gets her first 2024 victory
- Craig Melvin replacing Hoda Kotb as 'Today' show co-anchor with Savannah Guthrie
- North Carolina is among GOP states to change its voting rules. The primary will be a test
- 'Dune: Part Two' ending explained: Atreides' revenge is harrowing warning (spoilers ahead)
- Women report sexual harassment at glitzy legal tech events in a #MeToo moment
- Olivia Munn Says She “Barely Knew” John Mulaney When She Got Pregnant With Their Son
- Freddie Mercury's London home for sale after being preserved for 30 years: See inside
Ranking
- Family of security guard shot and killed at Portland, Oregon, hospital sues facility for $35M
- Arkhouse and Brigade up Macy’s takeover offer to $6.6 billion following rejection of previous deal
- 'Dune: Part Two' ending explained: Atreides' revenge is harrowing warning (spoilers ahead)
- Kyle Larson again wins at Las Vegas to keep Chevrolet undefeated on NASCAR season
- Whoopi Goldberg Shares Very Relatable Reason She's Remained on The View
- Oklahoma softball upset by Louisiana as NCAA-record win streak ends at 71 games
- Here are our 10 best college podcasts in America
- Cancer patient dragged by New York City bus, partially paralyzed, awarded $72.5 million in lawsuit
Recommendation
-
Patricia Heaton criticizes media, 'extremists' she says 'fear-mongered' in 2024 election
-
Caitlin Clark makes 2 free throws to break Pete Maravich’s NCAA Division I scoring record
-
In Hawaii, coral is the foundation of life. What happened to it after the Lahaina wildfire?
-
Women report sexual harassment at glitzy legal tech events in a #MeToo moment
-
Golden Bachelorette: Joan Vassos Gets Engaged During Season Finale
-
At least 2 wounded in shooting outside high school basketball game near Kansas City
-
Vice President Kamala Harris to join in marking anniversary of Bloody Sunday on Alabama bridge
-
ESPN NFL Reporter Chris Mortensen Dead at 72