An out-of-control wildfire, named the Mountain Fire, has forced thousands of residents to flee communities near Los Angeles as it rapidly consumes land and homes around Camarillo. Since igniting early Wednesday, the blaze has already covered 20,000 acres (8,100 hectares), driven by fierce Santa Ana winds that have hurled embers up to three miles from the fire's core, igniting hillsides, farmland, and residential neighborhoods.

With hundreds of firefighters and crews working around the clock, efforts have included ground-based firefighting teams, bulldozers, and helicopters dropping water to slow the spread. However, resource strain led to water shortages for crews late Wednesday night, as heavy use depleted local hydrants and required water shuttling to affected areas. Ventura County Fire Chief Dustin Gardner acknowledged the challenge but said plans were in place to address water system drain issues.

The fast-moving fire has devastated homes, with some residents, like Erica Preciado, barely escaping with essential belongings. Emergency teams have yet to confirm the total property loss, though news crews observed dozens of homes either ablaze or already destroyed, with some estimates suggesting up to 100 homes lost.

Wind conditions are expected to improve, with the National Weather Service forecasting a drop in Santa Ana winds by evening, which should help firefighters make progress. As a precaution, electricity companies have cut power to thousands of customers to reduce the risk of new fires from power line issues during high winds.

Firefighting efforts are expected to remain intense in the coming days as crews continue to combat flames threatening this densely populated area.