Authorities say they’ve made significant progress on the devastating Mountain Fire, which has destroyed 174 structures, damaged 74 others, and continues to threaten more than 6000 buildings in Ventura County.
The fire is 36% contained as of Monday, and firefighters are trying to snuff out smoldering hot spots. KNX News’ Jon Baird spoke to Orange County Fire Capt. Scott Martin, whose agency responded to the blaze as part of a strike team last week.
“When we arrived at this West Highland community on Wednesday, several of these structures were in various phases of fire,” he said. “We're now on Monday, several days later, and our assignment for this last operational period, in addition to helping the residents who have lost everything, is locating these hot spots, digging them up, using hand tools and spraying water to completely extinguish the burning wood as well as ash piles.”
Fire officials are concerned that expected winds over the next two days could cause flare-ups or flying embers and lead to even more damage.
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Ventura County Fire Capt. Tony McHale said the goal is to set up a containment line all the way around the fire to mitigate the risk.
Information and resources for affected residents can be found here.
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