(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
CAMARILLO, Calif. — A fast-moving wildfire dubbed the Mountain Fire has forced thousands of residents to evacuate as it swept through several Ventura County communities, destroying dozens of homes.
By Friday evening, the fire had burned 20,638 acres and was only 14% contained, according to Cal Fire. The blaze, which has already devastated parts of Camarillo, is now advancing toward the communities of Santa Paula and Somis. The cause remains under investigation.
The brush fire ignited near the 7900 block of Balcom Canyon Road and Bradley Road around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday. Initially reported as a two-alarm fire burning 250 acres, it rapidly grew in size, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds and dry vegetation.