For two days, a fire has ravaged Ventura County, near Los Angeles, California.
10,000 people had to evacuate and more than 200 buildings were destroyed.
A fire fueled by a violent wind, some of which gusted up to 130 km/h.
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Ventura County was literally ravaged by flames. For two days, the inhabitants of this coastal area, located 80 kilometers north of Los Angeles, California, have suffered the inevitable advance of a fire fanned by the formidable Santa Ana wind, and of which the numerous firefighters mobilized could not unable to overcome.
10,000 people evacuated
Where the flames are extinguished, almost only ashes remain. 8,300 hectares have already been completely charred. Residents, having returned to the area, no longer recognize the place. “We heard sirens, then screams, 'get out of here'. We caught the cat, I told my wife, we have to go now. We left like that, just with what 'we had on our backs'says Joey Parish, a resident of this county which borders Santa Barbara.
Like his, more than 130 houses were completely destroyed. 10,000 people were also evacuated, or a third of the area's inhabitants. “Entire families arrive here in tears, they know they have lost their homes. Some have lost their pets”sympathizes Dave Wagner, of the American Red Cross association, which runs a reception center.
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Named “Mountain Fire”, this disproportionately large fire is fueled by a violent Santa Ana wind, whose gusts reached up to 130 km/h. Rescuers are counting on milder weather conditions this weekend to put out the flames. 2,400 firefighters are still fighting to contain the gigantic fire which continues to progress in the valley. 3,500 homes, businesses and other buildings are under threat of flames.
