California's Mountain Fire reaches 31% containment, 20,630 acres burned
Nov. 11 (UPI) - Firefighters in California reported making progress toward containing the Mountain Fire, amid favorable weather conditions.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire, said Sunday that the blaze was 31% contained and has burned 20,630 acres in Ventura County.
Even with the improvement, the residents of some 1,000 homes northwest of Los Angeles, were still told to steer clear until further notice. The fire started Wednesday morning with dry conditions and a strong Santa Ana wind helping the blaze grow.
"[This is] an immediate threat to life," Cal Fire said about evacuation areas in 11 zones on Sunday in a report. "This is an order by law enforcement to leave immediately. The area is lawfully closed to public access.
"The fire continues to creep and smolder in steep rugged terrain. Threats remain to critical infrastructure, highways, and communities."
Cal Fire said emergency crews continued to conduct tactical patrols, make control lines, and perform mop-up duties. It said fire activity overnight into Monday remained minimal and within the control of firefighters.
"Damage inspection teams remain out in the fire and are reassessing affected structures," Cal Fire said.
Some 3,000 firefighters have been tasked with trying to contain the fire. There had been reports of 10 injuries from the fire but none were considered life-threatening.
