VENTURA COUNTY, Calif., Nov. 7 (KNN) — The Mountain Fire burned through Camarillo, California, near Valley Vista Drive and scorched over 8,800 acres, according to Ventura County Fire officials late Wednesday afternoon.

At least three homes were visibly destroyed on Valley Vista Drive. Among the impacted residents is homeowner Steve Taylor, who shared his thoughts regarding the devastation.

Steve told KNN on camera that he and his family moved into the home in 1987. He was hosing down the roof and the house around 9:30 a.m. and then left with everything they could, but “it wasn’t everything we wanted … but we got out safely. The rest is just memories.”

Steve said there is just a general sadness in Camarillo. This has never happened before. He also thanked the firefighters and first responders for all their work and said they managed to save some houses.

Christmas Eve used to be celebrated in his lost home, and unfortunately, Thanksgiving won’t be celebrated there either this year, Steve told KNN with great sadness. “So it won’t be in this house, but the people will be there; that’s the best thing about it.”

Authorities report that the fire remains 0% contained, and officials are warning high winds, ranging from 20 to 80 mph, will persist through at least sundown Thursday.

The anticipated wind gusts are expected to exacerbate firefighting efforts as weather conditions, including single-digit relative humidity, play a critical role in the ongoing battle against the blaze.

A large animal evacuation center was set up at 10 East Harbor Boulevard, and a small animal shelter was set up at Camarillo Airport.

Residents are urged to evacuate if they have not already done so and to take their animals to the designated locations.

As of 6:30 p.m., the fire was estimated at 10,431 acres, with an update at 10:30 p.m. of 14,187 acres.

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

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