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Wildfires in Southern California, driven by powerful Santa Ana winds, are burning 15,000 acres

Wildfires in Southern California, driven by powerful Santa Ana winds, are burning 15,000 acres

LOS ANGELES – Powerful Santa Ana wind near Los Angeles power some of the most important ones wildfire threats in years Southern California.

The brutal 50-70 mph wind Gusty winds have created a perfect storm of conditions, leading to rapid fire spread and widespread evacuations.

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These conditions led to the explosion of the devastating Mountain Fire in Ventura County on Wednesday. Within a few hours it consumed almost 15,000 hectares. Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for parts of the country VenturaCamarillo, Moorpark and SomisCalifornia.

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Officials say the Mountain Fire that broke out in Ventura County Wednesday morning remains out of control and has injured several people. According to police, there are at least 800 firefighters on the scene Ventura County Fire Department.

Images released by the agency show firefighting efforts in Camarillo Heights.

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Several were damaged by the fire houses according to reports, but no deaths were reported.

Videos from Ventura County Supervisor Jeff Gorell shows the thick smoke in Camarillo. In another video, firefighters are seen trying to control the fire.

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Firefighters continued their brutal battle against the flames overnight, calling in a combination of ground crews and night-flying helicopters. Hundreds of mutual aid teams across California continue to respond to the scene as the fast-moving fire has affected numerous structures.

Damage assessments are expected to begin Thursday. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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Another dangerous fire, the broad fire, is burning in the Malibu area, threatens homes and companies.

The FOX Forecast Center said Santa Ana winds peaked Wednesday morning, but periods of strong and gusty northeasterly to easterly winds will continue through Thursday. While Thursday’s conditions will not be as extreme, they remain highly conducive to fire spread.

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The strongest wind gusts of 50 to 60 miles per hour will occur along and below the coastal slopes of the mountains, including around the Mountain Fire. The lowest during the day humidity will also be found by the fire and across Ventura and Los Angeles counties, where the National Weather Service issued a rare “extremely hazardous situation” fire warning.

The wildfires have also led to school closures and power outages. The smoke from the fires also had significant consequences air qualityturn on health warnings for residents.