A raging wildfire in Ventura County, California, has forced more than 14,000 residents to evacuate their homes as of Thursday.
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag warning for over 25 million people across southern California, citing “extreme and life-threatening” fire conditions. This warning underscores the high fire risk due to the region’s dry conditions and strong winds.
The blaze ignited on Wednesday, swiftly scorching more than 14,000 acres. Gusts reaching 60 miles per hour have fueled the fire’s rapid expansion, leaving fire officials urging residents to act quickly and evacuate.
“When you get that evacuation order, you need to leave, get your family to safety,” warned Ventura County Fire Chief Dustin Gardner. “You can replace your stuff. You cannot replace your family members.”
Chief Gardner emphasized the danger of residents attempting to defend their homes, explaining how quickly conditions can turn deadly. “It gets hot, and it gets smoky. You can’t see, you can’t breathe, and you can’t defend your home,” he said.
Southern California’s dry terrain and intense winds have created a perilous environment for wildfires. The Red Flag warning urges residents to avoid any activity that could ignite a fire, as noted in an alert by the National Weather Service.
Officials also cautioned that heavy smoke could drift into urban areas, worsening air quality as wind patterns shift. An investigation into the fire’s origin will commence once the flames are contained, but officials stress the priority is containment.
No fatalities or missing persons have been reported, though several residents suffered smoke inhalation. All Ventura County schools will remain closed through the end of the week.
