Firefighters advance on destructive blaze in California, aided by slower winds
Southern California firefighters have gained ground on a wildfire that has ravaged more than 100 structures
By AP News
Published - Nov 09, 2024, 10:06 PM ET
Last Updated - Dec 16, 2024, 05:32 PM EST
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Southern California firefighters gained ground Saturday on a wildfire that has ravaged more than 100 structures as gusty winds subsided with favorable weather conditions expected through the weekend.
Evacuation orders were downgraded to warnings for residents in several areas of Ventura County, where the Mountain Fire held at around 32 square miles (about 83 square kilometers) and was 21% contained, authorities said.
Firefighters were aided by lighter winds, mild temperatures and low humidity, which let fuels dry out and burn off quickly, according to meteorologists from the National Weather Service.
“We had a very successful day with the favorable weather,” Ventura County Fire Battalion Chief Nick Cleary told reporters.