NOV 09, V7N- A wildfire raging near Los Angeles has destroyed at least 130 homes, with thousands forced to evacuate as flames spread rapidly through the region. The Mountain Fire, fueled by hurricane-strength winds, grew to over 20,000 acres near Camarillo, forcing people to flee with little notice. Some residents, like Robin Wallace and Linda Fefferman, lost their homes within hours of evacuating, with Fefferman estimating that 14 or 15 houses on her street were destroyed. Authorities confirmed at least 132 homes were lost and 88 others were damaged.

The blaze erupted on Wednesday and was fanned by fierce Santa Ana winds, with gusts reaching 80 miles per hour, pushing smoke and flames across brush, orchards, and properties. On Friday, winds calmed, providing relief for firefighters, though the fire remained only 7% contained. The area, home to 30,000 people, is still at risk as the fire burns through steep, rugged terrain, and is threatening critical infrastructure.

Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, enabling additional resources to support the more than 2,500 personnel fighting the fire. Crews have been using hose lines, bulldozers, and aircraft to defend homes and remove fuel. Utility companies have cut power to thousands in the area to prevent fires sparked by downed power lines. The dry vegetation, following two wet years, has become highly flammable after a long, hot summer. Experts warn that climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of such events in the region.

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