Pasadena Firefighters Battling Mountain Fire in Camarillo

Eight local firefighters are helping to fight a blaze in Camarillo. The Mountain Fire reached nearly 20,000 acres in size on Thursday, and still has not been contained. The City currently has two fire engines (eight firefighters) supporting.

Local firefighters responded early yesterday afternoon as part of a prepositioned strike team. Upon arrival, they went straight to work fighting fire and protecting homes throughout the night. So far, at least 10,000 people have evacuated the area.

The fire broke out on Wednesday morning near Balcom Canyon Road and Bradley Road, north of the 118 freeway. Santa Ana winds pushed dangerous embers to the other side of the freeway. The fire jumped the freeway, where it exploded in size.

According to media reports, the fire has burned some homes to the ground in the Camarillo Heights area. However, authorities have declined to give even a ballpark estimate of how many structures have been lost or damaged.

Fire officials said thousands of other homes in Moorpark, Camarillo, Camarillo Heights and Santa Paula are in danger Thursday. The November fire came amid unseasonably warm temperatures and strong Santa Ana winds. The National Weather Service issued red-flag warnings for Ventura and Los Angeles counties that are to remain in effect through at least Friday morning.