Extreme Winds Feeding Southern California’s Mountain Fire Die Down as Blaze Continues With Little Containment

Thousands fled as the fire exploded Wednesday. Firefighters hoped to start getting the fire under control as Santa Ana winds died down.

One of numerous homes destroyed by the Mountain Fire goes up in flames in Camarillo, Calif., on Nov. 6, 2024. David McNew/Getty Images

Firefighters battling a destructive wildfire burning in Southern California are expected to get a break from the strong winds fueling its growth, fire officials reported Nov. 7.

The Mountain Fire covered more than 20,000 acres—about 31 square miles—by Thursday evening, with only 5 percent containment, after burning through Camarillo Heights, about 55 miles northwest of Los Angeles, and destroying more than a hundred homes.