Karmactive Staff
The Mountain Fire erupted at around 9 a.m. on November 6, 2024, near the 7900 block of Balcom Canyon Road and Bradley Road, north of the 118 Freeway in Ventura County. By 10:30 p.m., the fire had consumed 14,187 acres, destroying homes and forcing residents to evacuate as Santa Ana winds pushed flames through dry vegetation.
“Firefighting operations continue through the night with both ground resources and night-flying helicopters,” reported the Ventura County Fire Department (@VCFD_PIO). “Hundreds of mutual aid firefighters continue to arrive at the scene from throughout California.”
Environmental Conditions and Fire Behavior
Cal Fire Battalion Chief Nick Salas explained the severe conditions, “The whole state of California, even though we’ve had a little bit of precipitation, is still in prime burning conditions. That, compiled with the wind event they’re having down there that’s supposed to last until Friday, is a recipe for absolute disaster.”
The fire’s rapid spread, driven by winds reaching 80 miles (130 kilometers) per hour, created especially challenging conditions for firefighters. “A fire to grow as rapidly as fast as the Mountain Fire has progressed is pretty extreme,” Chief Salas added.
Community Impact and Response
- 800+ firefighters deployed
- Multiple homes destroyed in Camarillo Heights
- Several individuals were transported to local hospitals
- Mandatory evacuations in Somis and Camarillo areas
Governor Gavin Newsom secured federal assistance through FEMA, stating: “This is a dangerous fire that’s spreading quickly and threatening lives. State resources have been mobilized to protect communities, and this federal support from the Biden-Harris Administration will give state and local firefighters the resources they need to save lives and property as they continue battling this aggressive fire.”
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Evacuation Centers and Animal Safety
Emergency response teams established multiple safe zones:
- Human evacuation center: Padre Serra Parish, 5205 Upland Ave., Camarillo
- Large animals: Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 E. Harbor Blvd.
- Small animals: Ventura County Animal Services at Camarillo Airport, 600 Aviation Drive
Statewide Response
The fire prompted a coordinated response across California:
- Five strike teams deployed from Auburn in Placer County.
- Cal Fire’s Nevada-Cuba-Placer Unit sent five engines and 20 crew members.
- Night-flying helicopters conducting operations.
- Ground crews working alongside aerial resources.
Current Status and Ongoing Efforts
As of 8:17 a.m. on November 8:
- Fire size: 20,596.4 acres
- Containment: 5%
- Cause: Under investigation
- Active evacuations in multiple areas
- Continued firefighting operations through the night
For the latest evacuation information:
- Visit: vcemergency.com
- Call: 805-465-6650
