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| California faces extreme wildfire risk due to powerful winds and low humidity | California faces extreme wildfire risk due to powerful winds and low humidity |
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| Santa Ana winds predicted to bring gusts up to 100mph to southern part of state as officials issue red flag warnings | Santa Ana winds predicted to bring gusts up to 100mph to southern part of state as officials issue red flag warnings |
| Fast-moving fires erupted across California on Wednesday as the state was lashed by powerful winds that complicated firefighting efforts, spurred power shutoffs and raised the dangers for more ignitions. | Fast-moving fires erupted across California on Wednesday as the state was lashed by powerful winds that complicated firefighting efforts, spurred power shutoffs and raised the dangers for more ignitions. |
| Evacuations were ordered in Ventura county, in a mountainous area to the north-west of Los Angeles, as an explosive blaze called the Mountain fire swept through thousands of acres. The fire ignited Wednesday morning and was fueled by gusts of wind of up to 70mph (113km/h). | Evacuations were ordered in Ventura county, in a mountainous area to the north-west of Los Angeles, as an explosive blaze called the Mountain fire swept through thousands of acres. The fire ignited Wednesday morning and was fueled by gusts of wind of up to 70mph (113km/h). |
| Buildings could be seen ablaze in videos posted on social media, along with howling winds, large plumes of smoke and orange skies over both rural and residential areas, as cars and trucks carrying large horse trailers rushed to escape. Officials shared that several individuals had already been injured and transported to local hospitals. | Buildings could be seen ablaze in videos posted on social media, along with howling winds, large plumes of smoke and orange skies over both rural and residential areas, as cars and trucks carrying large horse trailers rushed to escape. Officials shared that several individuals had already been injured and transported to local hospitals. |
| By early afternoon the fire jumped the 118 Highway and numerous structures remained under threat. | By early afternoon the fire jumped the 118 Highway and numerous structures remained under threat. |
| “Due to extreme wind conditions, fixed-wing aircraft are unable to assist in firefighting efforts,” officials with the Ventura county fire department said in an update. “Ground crews, helicopters and mutual aid resources are actively working to protect lives and property.” | “Due to extreme wind conditions, fixed-wing aircraft are unable to assist in firefighting efforts,” officials with the Ventura county fire department said in an update. “Ground crews, helicopters and mutual aid resources are actively working to protect lives and property.” |
| On top of everything else: Fast-moving and extremely dangerous #MountainFire is now entering neighborhoods on western side of Camarillo Heights. Winds are very strong and humidity very low. Major threat to life and property; 50 strike teams (~250 engines) ordered. #CAwx #CAfire pic.twitter.com/CbhjJhiy5t | On top of everything else: Fast-moving and extremely dangerous #MountainFire is now entering neighborhoods on western side of Camarillo Heights. Winds are very strong and humidity very low. Major threat to life and property; 50 strike teams (~250 engines) ordered. #CAwx #CAfire pic.twitter.com/CbhjJhiy5t |
| Strong autumn wind events are common in the state, but National Weather Service officials warned this week that conditions were particularly dangerous, especially in southern California where parched landscapes are primed to burn. | Strong autumn wind events are common in the state, but National Weather Service officials warned this week that conditions were particularly dangerous, especially in southern California where parched landscapes are primed to burn. |
| The National Weather Service in Los Angeles warned of “extremely critical” fire conditions unfolding throughout the day and extended warnings through Thursday morning for parts of LA and Ventura counties. “Damaging wind gusts of 60 mph combining with humidities around 10%+critically dry fuels!!” the agency added in a post on X, urging residents to be prepared and to use extreme caution with potential ignition sources. | The National Weather Service in Los Angeles warned of “extremely critical” fire conditions unfolding throughout the day and extended warnings through Thursday morning for parts of LA and Ventura counties. “Damaging wind gusts of 60 mph combining with humidities around 10%+critically dry fuels!!” the agency added in a post on X, urging residents to be prepared and to use extreme caution with potential ignition sources. |
| With predicted gusts between 50 and 100mph (80 and 161km/h) and humidity levels as low as 8%, parts of southern California could experience conditions ripe for “extreme and life-threatening” fire behavior into Thursday, the weather service said. | With predicted gusts between 50 and 100mph (80 and 161km/h) and humidity levels as low as 8%, parts of southern California could experience conditions ripe for “extreme and life-threatening” fire behavior into Thursday, the weather service said. |
| Officials in several counties urged residents – especially those in coastal, valley and mountain areas – to be on watch for fast-spreading blazes, power outages and downed trees amid the latest round of notorious Santa Ana winds. | Officials in several counties urged residents – especially those in coastal, valley and mountain areas – to be on watch for fast-spreading blazes, power outages and downed trees amid the latest round of notorious Santa Ana winds. |
| Meanwhile, Pacific Gas and Electric Company cut the power to tens of thousands of accounts across the state in an attempt to limit possible ignitions during the dangerous conditions. Roughly 14,500 homes and businesses were also without power in Ventura county on Wednesday, according to PowerOutage.us. | Meanwhile, Pacific Gas and Electric Company cut the power to tens of thousands of accounts across the state in an attempt to limit possible ignitions during the dangerous conditions. Roughly 14,500 homes and businesses were also without power in Ventura county on Wednesday, according to PowerOutage.us. |
| Forecasters have also issued red flag warnings until Thursday from California’s central coast through the San Francisco Bay Area and into counties to the north. | Forecasters have also issued red flag warnings until Thursday from California’s central coast through the San Francisco Bay Area and into counties to the north. |
| Sustained winds of 30mph are expected in many areas, with possible gusts topping 55mph along mountaintops, according to the weather service office in San Francisco. | Sustained winds of 30mph are expected in many areas, with possible gusts topping 55mph along mountaintops, according to the weather service office in San Francisco. |
| The Associated Press contributed to reporting |