Favorable weather conditions helped fire crews gain more control over the Mountain fire in Ventura County that has destroyed 134 structures and damaged dozens more, authorities reported Sunday.
Crews increased containment of the Mountain Fire to 31%, up from 21% on Saturday night. The fire’s size remains around 32 square miles.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Inspection teams continue to assess damage.
Evacuation orders were downgraded Saturday to warnings for residents in several areas of Ventura County as gusty winds subsided and firefighters were aided by mild temperatures and low humidity.
“The fire continues to creep and smolder in steep rugged terrain. Threats remain to critical infrastructure, highways, and communities,” according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, better known as Cal Fire.
The fire broke out Wednesday morning and exploded in size with the arrival of dry, warm and gusty northeast Santa Ana winds, forcing thousands of residents to flee and threatening 3,500 structures in suburban neighborhoods, ranches and agricultural areas around Camarillo. Firefighters also made 136 active rescues while battling the blaze.
Agriculture officials assessing the toll on farmland sown with avocado, citrus and berries estimated the damage at $2.4 million, the Ventura County Star reported.
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Another round of northeast winds is expected Tuesday, but humidity is expected to rise and gusts were not expected to surge as high as those that fanned the fire, National Weather Service meteorologist Ryan Walbrun said.
The region northwest of Los Angeles has seen some of California’s most destructive fires over the years. The Mountain fire swiftly grew from less than half a square mile to more than 16 square miles in little more than five hours on Wednesday, with gusts topping 61 mph.
Red flag warnings indicating conditions for high fire danger expired in most of the region Thursday.
Officials will hold a town hall meeting Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 6:30 p.m. at Rancho Campana High School in Camarillo to discuss recovery and relief efforts with residents.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has proclaimed a state of emergency in Ventura County.
Staff reporter Andrea Klick contributed to this story.