A fast-moving wildfire in the Somis/Camarillo region of Ventura County has destroyed at least 12 homes and scorched more than 14,000 acres as of Wednesday evening, authorities said.
The wildfire was reported just before 9 a.m. north of Highway 118 near the 7900 block of Balcom Canyon Road and Bradley Road. By 11 a.m., flames had crossed Highway 118 and raced through homes in the Camarillo Heights neighborhood. Residents were ordered to evacuate, and many struggled to escape, taking not only their property but also large animals such as horses.
The Ventura County Fire Department said at least 800 firefighters were battling the blaze, which was fanned by dry Santa Ana winds.
Damage estimates are expected to be released tomorrow morning, with officials writing on “We continue to arrive at the scene from all over the country,” he added.
A house is engulfed in wildfire flames as a wildfire scorches acres in Camarillo Heights on November 6, 2024 in Camarillo, California. On November 6th, a wildfire fanned by strong winds got out of control near Los Angeles, causing dozens of fires to break out. Several residents were ordered to evacuate and some were taken to the hospital. Fierce wind gusts of up to 80 mph (130 kph) pushed smoke sideways, setting off flames and tearing apart farmland. (Photo by ETIENNE LAURENT/AFP) (Photo by ETIENNE LAURENT/AFP via Getty Images) KTLA 5 News reporter Sarah Welch reports live from Camarillo Heights as the house goes up in flames. (KTLA) Sky 5 aerial view of homes destroyed by wildfire in Ventura County, California on November 6, 2024. (KTLA) Firefighters pull a hose in front of a burnt home as a wildfire burns through acres in Camarillo Heights, Camarillo. , California, November 6, 2024. On November 6, a wildfire fanned by strong winds got out of control near Los Angeles, forcing many residents to evacuate and sending some to the hospital. Fierce wind gusts of up to 80 mph (130 kph) pushed smoke sideways, setting off flames and tearing apart farmland. (Photo by ETIENNE LAURENT/AFP) (Photo by ETIENNE LAURENT/AFP via Getty Images) Sky5 aerial view of a home destroyed by a wildfire in Ventura County, California, on November 6, 2024. (KTLA) Sky5 aerial view of destroyed home. November 6, 2024, Ventura County, California wildfire. (KTLA) Sky5 aerial view of the Somis, California wildfire on November 6, 2024. (KTLA) Sky5 aerial view of the Somis forest fire. November 6, 2024, California. (KTLA) Sky5 aerial view of the Somis, California wildfire on November 6, 2024. (KTLA) Sky5 aerial view of a home on fire during a wildfire in Ventura County, California, on November 6, 2024. November 6, 2024. (KTLA) A resident evacuates a horse from a road during a wildfire in Ventura County, California, on November 6, 2024. (KTLA) Deputies rescue a resident in a wheelchair from a house surrounded by flames during the Ventura wildfire. County, October 30, 2024. (Key News Network) Sky5 aerial view of homes destroyed by wildfire in Ventura County, California on November 6, 2024. (KTLA)
As of 11:30 p.m., the fire had not been extinguished and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Ventura County officials said “several people” were injured and taken to local hospitals.
Mandatory evacuations were ordered for the Somis and Camarillo neighborhoods. The shelter was established at Padre Serra Parish, 5205 Upland Avenue in Camarillo. Large animals can be brought to the Ventura County Fairgrounds, located at 10 E. Harbor Blvd. Small animals can be taken to Ventura County Animal Services at Camarillo Airport, 600 Aviation Drive. For more information about evacuations, visit vcemergency.com or call 805-465-6650.
