Local firefighters are helping fight mountain fires in Ventura County

VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — Dozens of local firefighters are in Ventura County to help fight the mountain fire.

As of Thursday afternoon, the fire has scorched more than 19,644 acres.

Winds in Santa Ana gusted over 50 miles per hour, posing challenges for crews.

During the firefight, firefighters also worked through dry conditions and hilly terrain.

The fire broke out near Santa Paula on Wednesday morning.

Tulare County Battalion Chief Joe Rosa is at the fire with his assault team and five engines.

“We have one EMS from Tulare County, one from Clovis Fire, one from Kings County Fire and then the Orange Cove Fire District and the Bakersfield Fire Department assisted us,” Rosa said.

Homes were also destroyed in Camarillo and Moorpark.

Currently, crews in the Central Valley are working to prepare the structure.

Safety is a top priority while attempting to protect property.

“So we walk around houses. And we remove brush, i.e. anything that could be a potential source of fire from the ground to the trees. We're trying to clear that up and we're trying to clear around the houses,” Rosa explained.

Fire officials say California's Mutual Aid system helps provide state resources for large wildfires like this one.

“It is difficult for anyone, not just the department, to control a fire of this magnitude,” said Kings County Battalion Chief Aaron Parreira.

“Same here. If we had a big fire here, we would call for help and they would come and help.”

The firefighters are currently on 24-hour duty.

After 14 days, needs will be reassessed to see if they stay, and after 21 days, local authorities will replace their crews.

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