Mountain Fire explodes to more than 10,000 acres
Just before 2:45 p.m., Cal Fire updated the Mountain Fire acreage to 10,458 acres.
CAMARILLO, Calif. -- Thousands of residents were forced to flee a fast-moving wildfire, called the Mountain Fire, in Ventura County that has already damaged multiple homes. Chris Cristi in AIR7 estimated that at least 40-50 homes have burned from what he could see.
The out-of-control brush fire broke out near the 7900 block of Balcom Canyon Road and Bradley Road at approximately 9:30 a.m. Wednesday. The fire department described the incident as a two-alarm fire that burned 250 acres, but it quickly exploded and is now more than 10,000 acres.
The fire crossed Highway 118 and is now burning southwest toward the "Highway 101 Corridor." The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Evacuation orders:
Evacuation warnings:
Road closures:
Temporary evacuation shelter:
Padre Serra Parish
5205 Upland Road
Camarillo, CA 93012
Large animal evacuation center:
Ventura County Fairgrounds (Shoreline Gate)
10 E. Harbor Blvd.
Ventura, CA 93001
Small animal evacuation center:
Ventura County Animal Services (Camarillo Airport)
600 Aviation Drive
Camarillo, 93010
Fire information hotline:
805-465-6650
Just before 2:45 p.m., Cal Fire updated the Mountain Fire acreage to 10,458 acres.
ABC7 obtained audio of a call for help from firefighters during Wednesday's fire near Moorpark.
"The fire has crossed the 118 ... now getting on the south of the 118 ... it has large potential to affect the Camarillo Heights area," one firefighter is heard saying.
"We need to make all necessary notifications ... but all available engines and support companies up in the Camarillo Heights area ... we've got to get ahead of it."
At least three homes in Camarillo were seen on fire as the Mountain Fire exploded to nearly 9,000 acres on Wednesday.
The burned homes were all located along Valley Vista Drive. The roof of one home was seen ablaze as fierce winds swirled around. Moments later, the roof of the home next door caught fire as well.
Directly across the street, another home was completely engulfed in flames, with just the frame of the residence showing through the raging fire.
Just before 2 p.m., Cal Fire updated the Mountain Fire acreage to 8,882 acres after burning for about four hours.
A press conference has been scheduled for 4 p.m. for updates from operational leaders on the fire's status and response efforts. ABC7 will bring you live coverage of the press conference when it happens.