Firefighters are still working hard to control a rapidly spreading wildfire in Southern California that, by Saturday, had destroyed numerous homes and consumed over 20,000 acres of land.

The Mountain Fire started on Wednesday morning in Ventura County, located northwest of Los Angeles. The fire expanded rapidly, jumping over a highway and threatening homes due to strong Santa Ana winds and dry conditions, prompting the evacuation of over 10,000 residents.

As of Saturday morning, firefighters reported that the fire was 17% contained after burning 20,630 acres. Containment levels increased significantly on Friday, going from 7% at the start of the day to 14% by the end.

While red flag warnings and “particularly dangerous situation” alerts were lifted on Saturday due to improved moisture levels and decreased winds, meteorologists cautioned that fire conditions could still be elevated through Sunday. There is a slight possibility of light rain on Monday, but conditions may worsen again later in the week.

An air quality warning is in effect for Ventura County due to ongoing smoke and ash from the Mountain Fire. The National Weather Service indicated that air quality levels are unhealthy and may remain so into the afternoon. They advised residents to remain indoors whenever possible and to wear N95 masks if they need to go outside.

At least ten individuals have sustained injuries, mostly from smoke inhalation, but fortunately, there have been no reported life-threatening injuries or fatalities, according to Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff.

As emergency crews dealt with issues like low water pressure and power outages hampering their work, disturbing images from Camarillo Heights revealed extensive damage. Entire homes were reduced to mere skeletons or brick chimneys.

“The devastation is absolutely heartbreaking,” Fryhoff remarked.

Over 130 structures demolished

According to Andy VanSciver, a spokesperson for the Ventura County Fire Department, crews have confirmed the destruction of at least 132 structures, most of which are single-family homes. In addition, as of Thursday, another 88 buildings sustained damage.

The tally of damaged and destroyed properties may increase. VanSciver noted that crews have only surveyed 298 properties, discovering that roughly three-quarters are either destroyed or damaged.

“This process is slow because we must ensure safety,” he explained.

Residents scramble to save horses from the flames

Ventura County residents and ranchers faced minimal warning to evacuate their animals and shared their urgency in rescuing them from barns during the fire’s advance.

Nancy Reeves, who keeps her horses in Somis, situated about two miles from the fire’s origin, initially believed the fire would pass by her ranch.

“Then the wind changed, and it came right at us,” she recalled.

Reeves and others swiftly worked to save their animals, loading them into trailers and transporting them to the Ventura County Fairgrounds. By Wednesday afternoon, over 30 horses, 15 goats, and several sheep had been relocated to the horse barns at the fairgrounds in a coordinated effort by Ventura County Animal Services.

Morgan Moyer, who manages a riding school on Bradley Road in Somis, not far from the fire’s start, stated, “From the road, you could see the flames. You could hear it popping.”

Moyer rushed back to her ranch to rescue her animals. Despite her family’s insistence to evacuate as the fire approached, she temporarily left some horses tied away from eucalyptus trees in an area that seemed relatively safe. These horses were later evacuated to the fairgrounds thanks to the efforts of Animal Services and others.