Mountain Fire Update: California Blaze Burns Nearly 250 Structures

The Mountain Fire in Southern California has destroyed 174 structures, damaged another 74 structures and injured six people in Ventura County, according to local officials.

Fifty-two crews are currently deployed to fight the flames of the Mountain Fire that started Wednesday morning in the Ventura community of Somis.

The Mountain Fire has burned through 20,630 acres, and was about 36 percent of contained as of late Monday morning, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE).

"Minimal fire activity overnight. Crews continue to construct and improve containment lines," CAL FIRE said in an update on Monday." Fire suppression repair operations are ongoing and damage inspection teams remain out in the fire area assessing affected structures."

The Ventura County Fire Department told Newsweek via telephone late Monday afternoon that the parts of Ventura County most impacted by the Mountain Fire are primarily residential areas.

Local residents grieved the loss of their homes and their neighbors' homes. One man's house that had been in his family for almost four decades was destroyed in the fire.

Brandon Francis told local news station KTLA on Saturday morning that he, his wife, his grandmother and his newborn baby are now homeless.

Their lives were "turned upside down in a matter of minutes" by the Mountain Fire, he said.

"Those rooms had such value to us because we grew up here," Francis said. "This was the meeting spot for our entire family."

Suzette Barrick, another local resident, called the fire "horrible," and said, "I couldn't stop crying."

She told KTLA that her neighbor, "a sweet lady, her house is gone, but the one next to hers is fine." And the home of her friend "is now gone to the ground."

There are currently 2,812 personnel assigned to help fight the fire while 16 helicopters and 392 fire engines are currently deployed.

California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Ventura County on Thursday.

"This is a dangerous fire that's spreading quickly and is threatening lives," Newsom said. "California has mobilized state resources, including personnel, engines and aircraft from CAL FIRE and Cal OES [California Governor's Office of Emergency Services], to protect communities as our fire and emergency response teams work around the clock to combat this fire."

He added: "Stay safe and remain alert for instructions from local authorities as dangerous fire weather conditions continue."

Last week, FEMA approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant to help crews on the ground.

Meanwhile, there are currently multiple evacuation orders and evacuation warnings in effect. Details can be found on CAL FIRE's website.

Update 11/10/24, 5:15 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.

Update 11/11/24, 4:34 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with a new headline, additional information and comment from the Ventura County Fire Department.