Ventura County Animal Services Evacuate Resident’s Horse As Mountain Fire Rages

VENTURA COUNTY, Calif., Nov. 6 (KNN) — A Ventura County resident walked his horse to an evacuation point where Ventura County Animal Services were waiting to transport the horse from the Mountain Fire area.

*Keith Johnson and Josiah Valenzuela, KNN Video Journalists*

A KNN video shows a resident guiding a horse down a quarter mile, away from the smokey skies, to an evacuation point near Highway 101 and Central Avenue where Ventura County Animal Services can evacuate a horse to the Ventura County Fairgrounds. The homeowner also stated that he has a mini horse and two donkeys that may be impacted by fire.

A wildfire, dubbed the Mountain Fire, has erupted in the mountainous terrain west of Moorpark, prompting mandatory evacuations and firefighting efforts across Ventura County. It was first reported late Tuesday evening and has swiftly spread through dry brush, driven by high winds and challenging terrain.

As of Wednesday morning, the Ventura County Fire Department reported that the blaze had grown to approximately 1,200 acres with minimal containment. By late Wednesday evening, sources reported that the fire had spread to 10,431 acres, and an unknown number of homes had burned.

Several evacuation orders have been issued for residents closest to the fire and surrounding areas as firefighters work to secure structures and protect lives. Additional resources, including air tankers and helicopters, have been deployed to slow the fire’s advance, particularly in steep areas difficult to access on foot.

Evacuation centers have been established, with local emergency services advising residents to remain updated through Ventura County Emergency Services at vcemergency.com and other local alerts. Officials are urging residents in nearby areas to be ready for potential evacuation orders as wind conditions are expected to remain unfavorable through the afternoon.

“We are doing everything we can to contain this fire and protect the community,” said a Ventura County Fire Department spokesperson. “Our crews are facing significant challenges due to the topography and wind, but we have multiple resources on the ground and in the air.”

No injuries have been reported at this time, though multiple structures are threatened. We will provide updates on the Mountain Fire as containment efforts progress and evacuation statuses change.

KNN team fire coverage: Keith Johnson and Josiah Valenzuela, Video Journalists