Mountain Fire Prompts State of Emergency in California

Southern California is grappling with the Mountain Fire, which has devastated Camarillo Heights in Ventura County, destroying 132 structures and damaging 88 more. The fire, exacerbated by fierce Santa Ana winds and dry conditions, has grown to over 32 square miles and is only 7% contained. Over 10,000 residents have been evacuated as the blaze threatens thousands of additional structures. Firefighting efforts are coordinated through a unified command, with crews working in steep terrain using water-dropping helicopters to protect homes. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, and federal aid has been authorized to support firefighting efforts. While the winds are expected to ease, the threat remains high due to the dry and windy conditions, with environmental factors such as wet weather followed by dry brush buildup contributing to the fire's rapid spread.