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A structure burns in the early stages of the devastating Mountain Fire. | Photo courtesy of VCFD PIO/X
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The 19,904-acre Mountain Fire in Ventura County was 98% contained Monday after destroying or damaging hundreds of structures as well as farmland, state fire officials reported.
The wind-fueled fire erupted Nov. 6 in the steep mountain terrain near Balcom Canyon Road and Bradley Road in Somis. Thousands of firefighters from throughout Southern California and the state responded to the blaze.
Five civilians and one firefighter were injured, according to Cal Fire. Destroyed structures totaled 243 with damaged buildings numbering 127.
Ventura County sheriff’s officials said 10 minor injuries have been reported as a result of the blaze, most involving smoke inhalation.
Crop losses as a result of the Mountain Fire were an estimated $6 million, Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner Korinne Bell told reporters Friday.
“Today firefighters continue to patrol and mop-up to keep fire contained within the current footprint,” according to Cal Fire’s Sunday evening update.
Evacuation orders and warnings for residents have been lifted, after about 10,000 people were ordered to evacuate, officials said. Evacuation animal shelters were still operating at the Ventura County Fairgrounds for large animals and the Camarillo Airport for small animals.
Roads in the area are closed, and officials advised residents to register at the VC Alert website for road closure updates.
Gov. Gavin Newsom said that the state had secured a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help fund the firefight. The governor also proclaimed a state of emergency in Ventura County and issued an executive order to expedite firefighting and recovery efforts.
The cause of the fire was under investigation, officials said.
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