A fast-moving wildfire, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, erupted in Ventura County, California, on Wednesday. The Mountain Fire, which grew to over 14,000 acres, destroyed homes and forced evacuations, prompting firefighters to prioritize rescuing residents. The fire’s rapid spread and dangerous conditions hindered firefighting efforts, with high winds preventing aerial support and creating spot fires miles away from the original blaze. The fire caused injuries, damage to multiple structures, and significant disruptions to traffic on major freeways.
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After a brush fire started on Blue Mountain on Saturday and expanded significantly, community members donated so much support to the Lehigh Township Volunteer Fire Co. that they had to inform the public they no longer need material donations. The department’s Facebook page went as far to encourage people to keep anything they’d already purchased for the contribution drive for their own usage. The department is still accepting monetary donations on a Square page. As of Sunday, the fire company is being stationed at numerous residences along the mountain for structural protection, and several roads have been closed. Fire Commissioner Rick Hildebrand Jr. estimates the fire covered about 40 acres before potentially doubling or tripling overnight, and noted the fire’s spread being eastward from Route 248 on the mountain, has been difficult to combat due to location, terrain, and drought conditions.
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John Q. Hosedrinker