### Southern California Wildfire Forces Over 10,000 Evacuations and Destroys Multiple Homes

Firefighters are grappling with a devastating wildfire in Southern California, driven by fierce winds that have obliterated numerous homes and prompted the evacuation of more than 10,000 residents. The Mountain Fire erupted on Wednesday morning in Ventura County, northwest of Los Angeles, and by Thursday morning, it had incinerated nearly 20,000 acres with 0% containment, as per reports from Cal Fire.

Evacuation zones expanded to include 12 areas by Thursday morning, focusing suppression efforts on the blaze's northeast section near Santa Paula. Ventura County Fire Captain Trevor Johnson stated that the fire had surged to 19,643 scorched acres, growing by more than 5,000 acres since the previous morning. Two individuals have been hospitalized for smoke inhalation, with a detailed assessment of structural damage pending.

Evacuation orders are set to stay active through Thursday, with 800 firefighters from various parts of California on-site, and additional reinforcements anticipated. Tanker planes had limited operations on Wednesday due to wind conditions but may see increased usage if the weather permits. Helicopters worked through the night to control the fire with water drops.

The National Weather Service flagged critical wildfire conditions, citing gusty winds and low moisture that would persist for several days. Santa Ana winds, capable of hitting 30-55 mph with gusts up to 100 mph in mountainous areas, are expected through Friday.

Federal assistance was sanctioned by FEMA on Wednesday to support California's firefighting efforts. Reports from the Ventura County Star indicated numerous homes ablaze near Camarillo and Somis, although official counts of damaged structures remain forthcoming. Over 3,500 structures are under threat, Governor Gavin Newsom revealed, with visuals showing widespread destruction and intense firefighting efforts.

With red-flag warnings affecting approximately 26 million residents across California, particularly along the Interstate 5 corridor and Ventura County mountains, Fire Captain Johnson outlined the complex terrain challenges firefighters face in the northeast section. Assistant Chief Drew Smith of the Los Angeles County Fire Department underscored the risk, noting embers could travel up to three miles due to strong winds, complicating containment efforts.

As highly volatile and dangerous conditions persist across various regions, Ventura County officials have warned of possible proactive power shutoffs to prevent further wildfires, with over 90,000 customers already affected.