LOS ANGELES — Southern California firefighters were on Saturday gaining ground on a fire that has destroyed more than 130 structures as gusty winds subside with favorable weather expected over the weekend.

The wildfire in Ventura County was 32 square miles (about 83 square kilometers) and 17 percent contained, Fire Operations Chief Clint Swensen said. The fire broke out Wednesday and exploded in size amid the arrival of dry, warm and gusty northeast winds, forcing thousands of residents to flee and threatening 3,500 structures in suburban neighborhoods, farms and agricultural areas surrounding the community of Camarillo.

Red flag warnings indicating high fire danger conditions have expired for most of the region on Thursday. On Saturday, smoky air hung over the area because of fairly light winds ranging from five to 10 mph (eight to 16 km/h), the very conditions that helped firefighters, said Ryan Kittell, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. from Oxnard.

“It’s very favorable for the weekend,” Kittell said. “Good for firefighting efforts, but not great for air quality.”

Some forecasts showed winds returning to the area Tuesday, but not to the extent seen last week, Kittell said.

The region northwest of Los Angeles has seen some of California’s most destructive wildfires over the years. The Mountain Fire quickly grew from less than half a square mile (about 1.2 square kilometers) to more than 16 square miles (41 square kilometers) in just over five hours Wednesday, with gusts of up to 61 mph (98 km/h).

Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in Ventura County.