### Mountain Fire Wreaks Havoc in Ventura County: Over 130 Homes Destroyed and Critical Infrastructure Threatened

The Mountain Fire in Southern California continues to devastate Ventura County, destroying more than 130 homes and causing significant injuries to six individuals. As relentless flames advance since its onset on Wednesday morning in the community of Somis, emergency personnel are racing against time to contain this dangerous blaze.

In an effort to combat the spreading inferno, 60 firefighting crews have been deployed, yet containment remains limited. By Saturday night, only 21% of the fire, which had scorched 20,630 acres, had been controlled. The Ventura County Fire Department and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) disclosed these perilous updates, highlighting ongoing threats to critical infrastructure, highways, and communities.

The destruction has left local residents grieving profound losses. Among those affected, Brandon Francis recounted to KTLA 5 how the fire obliterated his multi-generational family home, leaving him, his wife, grandmother, and newborn baby without shelter. The emotional toll is palpable as another resident, Suzette Barrick, described the disaster as "horrible," sharing tearful stories of lost homes and devastated neighborhoods.

An army of nearly 3,000 fire personnel, equipped with 21 helicopters and 497 fire engines, continues to wage an aggressive battle against the flames. While diminishing winds have offered some relief, challenging terrain complicates firefighting efforts. This prompted Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency in Ventura County on Thursday, emphasizing the fire's rapid and dangerous spread. State resources, including personnel and equipment from CAL FIRE and the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services, have been mobilized to aid in the fight.

Governor Newsom also announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant to support firefighting efforts. As the situation evolves, multiple evacuation orders and warnings are in effect, with details available on CAL FIRE's website.

The battle against the Mountain Fire is ongoing, and residents are urged to stay safe and attentive to instructions from local authorities as wildfire conditions remain hazardous.