Evacuations Ordered as Wildfire Spreads Amid Strong Winds
Over 10,000 people were ordered to evacuate in areas northwest of Los Angeles on Thursday as a fast-moving wildfire, fueled by powerful seasonal winds, swept through ranches and residential neighborhoods, destroying dozens of homes. The Ventura County Fire Department reported that flames, carried by strong Santa Ana winds, spread rapidly, forcing residents near Camarillo to leave their homes as embers traveled up to two miles (3.2 km) from the blaze.
Fire Captain Tony McHale described the intense fire conditions, saying, “It’s like trying to put out a blowtorch with a squirt gun.” The fire started on Wednesday in a hillside canyon before quickly spreading west.
Intense Winds and Dry Conditions Fuel Fire’s Spread
Santa Ana winds, with gusts reaching up to 80 mph (130 kph), combined with dry grass and shrub-covered hills, helped the fire consume more than 20,000 acres (8,094 hectares) by Thursday evening. According to McHale, the fire has injured several civilians and damaged or destroyed numerous homes, businesses, and other buildings. The Los Angeles Times reported at least 90 homes lost to the blaze, and Cal Fire stated that over 30,000 residents remain at risk as the fire’s path remains unpredictable.
A red flag warning, signaling dangerous fire conditions due to high winds, is in effect until Friday.
Changing Climate Increases Wildfire Risks in California
Climate experts note that rising temperatures have intensified California’s wildfire seasons. Wet winters encourage vegetation growth, and hotter, drier summers dehydrate the landscape, creating prime wildfire conditions. This year, wildfires have burned an unusually high amount of land in the U.S., with 8.1 million acres scorched compared to an annual average of 7 million acres over the past decade, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.
In California alone, wildfires have destroyed more than three times the acreage compared to the same period last year, according to Cal Fire.
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