NASA Image Captures California Mountain Fire Smoke From Space

A satellite image released by the NASA Earth Observatory shows a vast plume of smoke emanating from the fast-moving California Mountain Fire raging in Ventura County, northwest of Los Angeles.

The brush fire first ignited on November 6, when the image was taken, and has since spread over more than 20,000 acres. Fueled by warm, dry and powerful Santa Ana winds, the Mountain Fire rapidly advanced westward, threatening nearby neighborhoods and forcing thousands to evacuate.

The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite on the NOAA-20 satellite captured the image at 12:50 p.m. local time on Wednesday, at which point the fire had scorched 1,500 acres, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

The fierce Santa Ana winds that propelled the Mountain Fire often strike Southern California between September and May, when a high-pressure system over the Great Basin to the east meets the cooler Pacific air to the west.

These seasonal winds create conditions ripe for rapid fire spread, especially in landscapes dried during the hot summer months.

This week, gusts reached speeds of 100 miles per hour, creating ideal conditions for flames to spread across the region.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in Ventura County, mobilizing state resources to aid firefighters as they tackle the expanding blaze. "This is a dangerous fire that's spreading quickly and is threatening lives," Newsom said in a statement.

According to the latest reports, the Mountain Fire has spread over 20,596 acres in Ventura County and is only 7 percent contained. In a news briefing on Thursday, fire officials said 132 structures had been destroyed, 88 damaged and almost 11,768 more remained threatened.

At least five civilians have been injured, officials said, and hundreds of firefighters are working to contain the blaze.

In response to worsening air quality, the South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued a wildfire smoke advisory, effective until at least Saturday at 3 p.m.

According to the AQMD, "Smoke from the Mountain Fires is expected to most heavily impact the areas including the San Gabriel Mountains, San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarity Valley, Northwest coastal Los Angeles County and part of West San Gabriel Valley."

These areas could experience Air Quality Index levels in the "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" category or higher.

To protect their health, residents in affected areas are advised to stay indoors with their windows and doors closed, avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and use air conditioning or air purifiers if available.

The AQMD has recommended that residents avoid using fireplaces, incense or other sources of indoor air pollution to keep indoor air quality at its best. For those who must be outside, the AQMD suggests wearing a properly fitting N95 or P100 respirator.