Thousands of California residents have been ordered to evacuate as a fast-moving wildfire continues to devastate areas near Moorpark, roughly 40 miles northwest of Los Angeles. The fire, which began early Wednesday, has been intensified by fierce Santa Ana winds and dry conditions, placing thousands of homes and structures in jeopardy.

California Governor Gavin Newsom confirmed that more than 10,000 evacuation orders were issued, and federal aid has been secured to support firefighting efforts. Currently, approximately 3,500 buildings are under immediate threat from the flames. The National Weather Service has forecast a significant reduction in wind intensity by Thursday night, but conditions for heightened fire danger remain in place.

Ventura County fire chief Dustin Gardner described the wildfire’s speed and intensity as “dangerously fast,” adding that it was destroying everything in its path, including grasslands, agricultural areas, and structures. Dramatic images and video footage from the area reveal thick plumes of smoke blanketing neighborhoods, as flames continue to spread unchecked. Officials reported that two individuals were treated for smoke inhalation, but fortunately, no significant injuries have been reported among the firefighters.

Local authorities have advised residents in Southern California counties to remain vigilant for additional fire hazards, including potential power outages and falling trees due to the strong winds. In response to the crisis, the City of Ventura posted on social media, urging residents to conserve water to ensure firefighters have adequate resources to combat the blaze. Over 20 schools in Ventura County have announced closures as a safety precaution.

This wildfire, fueled by a Santa Ana wind event, has expanded rapidly—from an initial 0.5 square miles to over 16 square miles within a few hours, according to the Associated Press. Santa Ana winds, sometimes called “devil winds,” can reach gusts of 70 to 80 mph, creating ideal conditions for wildfires to grow and spread at an alarming rate.

California’s increasing wildfire frequency and intensity are often linked to climate change. Scientists have observed a fivefold increase in burned areas in northern and central California during summer months between 1996 and 2021, compared to previous decades. While not every fire can be directly attributed to climate change, experts note that rising temperatures and prolonged drought conditions, exacerbated by climate change, make extreme fire weather more common.

As the state faces yet another destructive fire season, residents and officials alike are bracing for the long-term impacts, underscoring the critical need for fire preparedness and climate resilience in vulnerable communities.