### Southern California Wrestles with Destructive Mountain Fire

Authorities in Southern California are struggling to contain a rapidly spreading wildfire named the Mountain Fire, which has ravaged numerous homes and businesses and forced the evacuation of over 10,000 residents. Triggered by strong Santa Ana winds, the blaze was first detected on Wednesday morning in Somis, a community in Ventura County. By Friday, it had devastated 132 structures, primarily homes, and damaged another 88 as it encroached on more densely populated areas near Malibu and Los Angeles.

As of Friday, the Mountain Fire had consumed 20,596 acres and was only 7% contained, according to Cal Fire. The wildfire’s swift expansion led to significant disruptions, including the closure of dozens of schools and colleges and almost two dozen roadblocks. Firefighting efforts were hindered by the area's rugged terrain and low-pressure water supply as the local system was stretched thin, leaving crews to rely on water tankers and portable generators.

Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff reported at a news conference that ten people sustained injuries, mainly due to smoke inhalation, none of which were life-threatening. Among the injured was a firefighter. Evacuations affected 400 homes on Thursday, though 250 residents opted to remain despite the danger. Emergency responders reported that approximately 800 homes were already vacant when they arrived to warn residents.

The fire’s intensity was heightened by a Santa Ana wind event, with peak gusts reaching 26 mph in southeastern Ventura County valleys, according to the National Weather Service. Although a red flag warning expired on Friday morning, officials remain on alert as another Santa Ana wind event is anticipated early next week, potentially reigniting the fire risk.

Schools and colleges across Ventura County, including Oxnard College, Moorpark College, and Ventura College, suspended classes. Schools under evacuation orders serve over 70,000 students. Some schools, such as Camarillo Heights Elementary, had to evacuate during school hours on Wednesday when the fire first erupted.

Firefighters faced significant challenges beyond the tough terrain, as widespread power outages complicated efforts, necessitating the use of portable generators. The fire also destroyed a water pumping station, further hampering their ability to battle the flames effectively.

Ventura County Fire Chief Dustin Gardner mentioned that cooler nighttime temperatures and reduced winds would allow for strategic firefighting measures, including helicopter operations and fire-retardant drops. California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, securing federal assistance to bolster firefighting resources, which now include 48 pieces of equipment, nine helicopters, and over 100 personnel dispersed across 19 counties.

The Mountain Fire has mobilized over 2,400 personnel, including 378 fire engines, 14 helicopters, and 17 bulldozers, aiming to rein in its advance. Despite the expiration of red flag warnings in Ventura County, advisories remain active in other parts of Southern California, particularly in San Bernardino and Riverside counties, where extreme fire weather persists.