Newsom declares a state of emergency due to wildfires in California that have forced thousands to evacuate

California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday declared a state of emergency in Ventura County after a wildfire burned more than 20,400 acres and forced thousands of residents to evacuate.

What a fire started on Wednesday and spread rapidly due to strong winds, already destroying 132 structures and damaging 88 more, authorities told CNN.

At least 10 people were injured in the fire, which officials described as a “mountain fire,” but most of the injuries were non-life-threatening and related to smoke inhalation.

“This is a dangerous, fast-moving, life-threatening fire,” Newsom said statement. “California has mobilized state resources, including personnel, engines and aircraft from CAL FIRE and Cal OES, to protect communities as our fire and emergency response teams work around the clock to fight this fire. Stay safe and be prepared for instructions from local authorities as the fire hazard weather continues.”

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department said a total of 400 homes were evacuated and 250 people decided to stay and protect their homes from the fire. Another 800 houses were already empty when they arrived.

The cause of the mountain fire is not yet clear, but at the time of publication it is only 5% contained.

Misty Severy is the evening news reporter for Just The News. you can follow her on X for more coverage.