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Firefighters make progress containing California wildfire as winds die down

At least 132 homes were destroyed in and around Camarillo, California.
APTOPIX California Winds Wildfires
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Firefighters made progress containing a large wildfire in California Friday after fierce winds died down.

Ventura County's Mountain Fire, which started on Wednesday, has grown to over 20,000 acres as 2,420 personnel try to contain it. It was 14% contained as of Friday evening.

The fire has destroyed 132 structures and damaged at least 88 more. As of early Friday, 11,768 additional structures remained threatened.

The fire has forced thousands of residents in Ventura County to leave their homes.

Officials said ten people had sustained non-life-threatening injuries, including smoke inhalation.

Forecasters say weather will continue to be favorable over the weekend.

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California Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency on Friday over the blaze.

“This is a dangerous fire that’s spreading quickly and is threatening lives. 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 combat this fire. Stay safe and remain alert for instructions from local authorities as dangerous fire weather conditions continue," Newsom said.

The fire was fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, low humidity and extremely dry conditions. Winds topped 50 mph for many regions on Wednesday and Thursday.

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