A brush fire that moved with devastating speed through the Moorpark and Camarillo areas of Ventura County burned more than 14,000 acres Wednesday and forced evacuations as strong winds pushed the flames into neighborhoods.

At least two people were injured, hospitalized with smoke inhalation in several houses burned in the mountain fire. The fire was reported around 9 a.m. on Highway 118 near the 7900 block of Balcom Canyon Road and Bradley Road. Fire officials said high winds in the area were contributing to the difficult conditions.

The fire crossed the 118 Freeway and entered the Camarillo Heights area.

“Several people were injured and taken to local hospitals,” he said Ventura County Fire Department said. “Numerous structures are currently under threat.”

Homes were destroyed in the Camarillo and Moorpark areas. Video from NewsChopper4 showed several homes burned to the ground, but authorities did not have an estimate on the number of homes destroyed.

#MountainFire UPDATE:
The fire has crossed the 118 freeway and is now affecting the Camarillo Heights area. Evacuation orders are in effect and we urge residents to follow these orders for their own safety. Several people were injured and transported to local hospitals… pic.twitter.com/rWpKIdDfpe

— VCFD PIO (@VCFD_PIO) November 6, 2024

Ventura County residents are at risk as the Mountain Fire burns other homes. Amber Frias reports for NBC4 News at 6:00 PM Wednesday, November 6, 2024.

Strong winds grounded fixed-wing aircraft due to “very hazardous” conditions caused by gusts. Winds could cause turbulence for pilots. Thick smoke also made it difficult to see from the air.

Water-dropping helicopters were still running at the fire, some dropping water directly on homes.

“140 firefighters are on scene using 58 fire engines, with additional helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft requested to assist,” the department said.

The strongest winds of the week were expected Wednesday with gusts up to 80 mph in the mountains and foothills of Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Similar winds are expected again in the mountains on Thursday evening.

Chief Jeff Shea of ​​the Ventura County Fire Department noted the weather in the red flag region and how it will contribute to the flames through Thursday.

As the residents of Camarillo Heights prepare for the wildfire, a family that includes a retired firefighter is doing everything they can to save their home. Karma Dickerson reports for NBC4 News at 5:30 PM Wednesday, November 6, 2024.

“What this means is relatively low, critical humidity,” he said. “The amount of moisture in the air is less than 10 percent, which is critical for us and for the behavior of the fire and the sustained winds in Santa Ana.”

“Gusts of up to 160 km/h are possible in wind-prone mountainous locations,” according to a statement from county emergency officials. “In addition to the windy conditions, low relative humidity is expected with poor recovery overnight. A Red Flag Warning has been issued beginning Wednesday at 4 a.m. through Thursday at 6 p.m. for all areas of Ventura County.”

In a press conference Wednesday, Chief Dustin Gardner of the Ventura County Fire Department urged all residents under evacuation orders to vacate their properties as soon as possible.

“This is not one of these fires where you can wait and predict and maybe stay home,” he said. “Your homes can be replaced, your lives cannot. Go away… Our firefighters and law enforcement agencies are doing everything they can to protect lives, so we need your help to stay away.”