Southern California couple's life reduced to ashes after scorching Mountain Fire consumes farm
The relentless flames of the Mountain Fire have reduced Jessica Butterfield and Andreas Tompros' once-cherished Somis home and beloved Ventura County avocado farm, Ridgecrest Avocados, to ashes.
Couple loses home in Southern California's Mountain Fire
Jessica Butterfield and Andreas Tompros, a couple from Somis, California, join FOX Weather to share their harrowing experience.
SOMIS, Calif. – A devastating wildfire has left a Southern California couple heartbroken and homeless.
The relentless flames of the Mountain Fire have reduced Jessica Butterfield and Andreas Tompros' once-cherished Somis home and beloved Ventura County avocado farm, Ridgecrest Avocados, to ashes.
"Everything burned … just unfathomable," Butterfield told FOX Weather.
HUNDREDS OF PETS, FARM ANIMALS SAVED FROM MOUNTAIN FIRE IN CALIFORNIA
Jessica Butterfield and Andreas Tompros lost their home, most of their working avocado farm and all of their possessions in Ventura County’s Mountain Fire.
(Jessica Butterfield, Andreas Tompros)
On Nov. 6, they were forced to evacuate with only the clothes on their backs, leaving behind a lifetime of memories and possessions. The couple's frantic escape was captured on their home security cameras, a haunting reminder of the rapid and destructive power of the wildfire.
HEARTBREAKING IMAGES SHOW CALIFORNIA WILDFIRE DESTROYING HOMES LEAVING NOTHING BUT ASHES
Jessica Butterfield and Andreas Tompros were forced to evacuate their home with only the clothes on their backs.
(Jessica Butterfield, Andreas Tompros)
The fire not only consumed their home but also ravaged two-thirds of their avocado farm, wiping out valuable equipment, livestock and crops. The couple's reliance on their farm as a primary source of income has been severely compromised, making their financial situation even more precarious.
"We were fortunate that the home was insured," Tompros told FOX Weather. "A lot of homes in Southern California are uninsurable at this point. Many of the larger companies have pulled out."
However, their avocado orchard, a small business they were slowly growing, was not insured.
Watch: Helitankers fight Mountain Fire as blaze consumes over 20,000 acres in hours
Camarillo, California, residents are reeling from the devastation of the Mountain Fire. Over 130 homes were destroyed, and more than 80 were severely damaged.
To compound their misfortune, Butterfield, a dedicated full-time tutor, lost all her teaching materials, technology and curriculum. This sudden loss has halted her ability to earn a living, further exacerbating their financial challenges.
"We're just paralyzed a little emotionally and financially," Butterfield said.
SATELLITE IMAGERY REVEALS SCOPE OF MOUNTAIN FIRE DEVASTATION IN CALIFORNIA
Andreas and Jessica with their first born canine "Miles."
(Jessica Butterfield, Andreas Tompros)
As they face an uncertain future, the two have leaned upon the generosity of strangers for urgent support with essential living expenses, clothing, food, shelter, pet care and other immediate needs.
An online GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help them rebuild their lives. Click here to read more.
The Mountain Fire is now 98% contained after burning 19,904 acres. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.