More than 100 homes destroyed amid explosive Southern California wildfires

Powerful Santa Ana winds near Los Angeles fueled some of the most significant wildfire threats in years across the area. The relentless 50-70 mph wind gusts created a perfect storm of conditions, leading to rapid fire spread and widespread evacuations.

LOS ANGELES – Firefighters have begun to get a handle on an explosive wildfire that has now destroyed more than 100 homes in Southern California

Powerful Santa Ana winds near Los Angeles fueled some of the most significant wildfire threats in years across the area. The relentless 50-70 mph wind gusts created a perfect storm of conditions, leading to rapid fire spread and widespread evacuations.

Six people have been hurt in the fire, including one firefighter.

CAL FIRE reported that the Mountain Fire is at 36% containment, with more than 20,600 acres burned.

Meanwhile, fire inspection teams found more than 130 homes destroyed and more than 80 with significant damage, according to a Thursday evening news conference from the Ventura County Fire Department.

The department said these inspections are ongoing.

Ventura County Fire officials said more than 2,900 fire personnel were fighting the blaze on Sunday. 

New video shows helitankers dropping fire retardant as the fire raged Wednesday night.

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Video from Ventura County Supervisor Jeff Gorell showed the charred remains of kitchens and bedrooms with once beautiful mountainside views.  

Evacuation orders have been easing over the weekend for some zones as the fire threats begin to wane. Some mandatory evacuation orders had been in effect for parts of Ventura, Camarillo, Moorpark and Somis, California. As evacuations lift, these areas are open to residents only, according to the Ventura County Sheriff's Office.  

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California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for Ventura County on Thursday, as well as FEMA assistance for state and local firefighters. The governor visited some of the damaged areas and met with firefighters on the ground.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. 

The FOX Forecast Center said the Santa Ana winds peaked on Wednesday morning, and winds died down Thursday. The NWS had issued a rare "Particularly Dangerous Situation" Fire Weather Warning on Wednesday when the roaring winds combined with low humidity and dry fuels led to the potential for explosive fire development.

However, the dry conditions will remain with humidity mostly below 30% through the weekend away from the immediate coast, according to the NWS.

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On Wednesday, the Mountain Fire was caught on satellite by NOAA's GOES West. The satellite video shows fire glowing red in the distance, as large plumes of smoke blow off the coast of California.

The smoke from the fires has also significantly impacted air quality, prompting health alerts for residents.

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