Nearly a week has passed since the devastating Mountain Fire scorched over 20,000 acres and destroyed hundreds of homes in Southern California. Firefighters are continuing efforts to control the explosive and fast-moving blaze in Ventura County, which has led to significant evacuations.
Fire Destroyed Hundreds of Homes in Southern California
The cause of the fire
The cause of this devastating fire that burned almost 250 homes, businesses and other structures is still under investigation. The fire continued to spread slowly and smoulder across the steep, rugged terrain, driven by winds reaching up to 80 mph. Till now, as per reports, ten injuries have been reported.
Some hotspots are still active
Some hotspots are still active and the firefighters are busy six days after the fire started in Moorpark on Wednesday. Strong gusts of wind spread the fast-moving flames through the area, allowing the fire to jump a freeway and spreading into the neighborhoods in Camarillo and Somis.
Damage caused by the devastating wildfire
The firefighters reported that the fire had spread over 20,630 acres, destroying 132 structures and damaging 88 others. By Monday evening, 79% was contained, and the utility service crews started returning to restore power for those residences whose homes are still standing.
Evacuation orders lifted
Evacuation orders were lifted and residents were allowed to return to their fire-ravaged neighborhoods, questioning how the flames quickly spreading through their homes.
What people and Ventura County Fire Department Chief have to say!
Defending their actions, Ventura County Fire Department Chief Dustin Gardner said during a community meeting, “I know we made tactical mistakes, I know they were made.” However, he quickly pointed out that no one died because of fire, and added that they (firefighters) have evacuated several people, who are safe. While some of them were applauded, a few homeowners claimed that they saw crews leaving while the fire was still burning outside their homes.
The chief stated that during such intense fire, hard but necessary choices have to be made, and no battle is perfect.
Fire Fighters Doing their Best to Stop the Fire
He mentioned that he understands the criticism expected from people who have lost so much, and the department will learn from its response to the Mountain Fire and prepare for further fires.
The Department Will Prepare for Further Fires
Agricultural damage: Farmers lose crops, farm buildings and homes
The agricultural damage caused by the fire is estimated at $6 million and is expected to increase. Korinne Bell, Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner, stated that avocado, citrus, and berry crops were the hardest hit. Not just crops and trees, the fire has also damaged infrastructure such as fences, irrigation lines, and outbuildings. The fire, that started on South Mountain, was pushed by Santa Ana winds into agricultural fields. Some farmers also lost homes.
Rain fails to relieve severe drought; Fire risk continues
A light rain over parts of the Northeast didn’t manage to relieve the severe drought, which continues to fuel wildfires and lead to fire warnings across the dry region. Although some areas received their first measurable rain in over a month on Sunday night into Monday morning, as per AccuWeather forecasts, the fire risk is expected to persist through Tuesday and beyond.
The entire state at extreme risk
A combination of warm weather, dry air and stronger winds were expected to keep the fire danger high in the Northeast; dry brush and fallen leaves added to the risk. Although the rain helped to reduced the risk to moderate levels in central New Jersey, the state fire danger dashboard warning showed the whole state at extreme risk.
First fatality
Fires in northern New Jersey and New York continued to rage over the weekend, claiming their first victim, 18-year-old Dariel Vasquez, a state parks employee, who tragically died on Saturday while working to battle a fire in Sterling Forest, as a tree fell on him while he was clearing trees and brush.
Jennings Creek Wildfire
As per a report from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, the Jennings Creek Wildfire had grown to 3,500 acres and was 20% contained. New York Governor Kathy Hochul assured that no buildings or infrastructures were threatened and 277 personnel were fighting the fire.
Also, a supervisor in Warwick, N.Y., Jesse Dwyer revealed that no mandatory evacuation had been issued. He noted that although the rain helped slow down the fire, it was not enough to control it completely. He also urged support from responders and residents in the affected areas.
