Southern California firefighters are gaining control over the devastating Mountain Fire in Ventura County, which has destroyed 132 homes and damaged 88 structures. The fire, which started Wednesday, has scorched 32 square miles and is now 14% contained.
While 3,500 homes have been repopulated, residents of 2,000 homes remain displaced. Some, like Maryanne Belote, returned to find their properties reduced to ashes. Despite losing her home of 50 years, she remains optimistic, grateful for her rescued animals and determined to rebuild.
Bill Nardoni and his family also returned to devastation but found a silver lining in the rubble—a wedding ring retrieved from a safe. Their home, bought just a year ago, was still under renovation when the fire struck.
Calmer winds and milder weather are expected to help firefighting efforts through the weekend. Ventura County Fire Chief Dustin Gardner reported no significant fire spread on Friday, a promising development.
Authorities are deploying cadaver dogs as a precaution, even though no one is reported missing. An air quality alert remains in effect, and multiple school closures have been announced due to smoke and fire hazards.
Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in Ventura County, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance as firefighters work to contain the blaze.
