LOS ANGELES – Southern California firefighters on Saturday were gaining ground in a wildfire that devastated more than 130 structures as wind gusts subsided and favorable weather conditions are expected over the weekend.

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

Red flag warnings indicating high fire danger conditions expired Thursday in most of the region. Smoke-filled air hung over the area Saturday due to fairly light winds ranging between five and 10 mph (eight and 16 kph), the same conditions that were helping firefighters, said Ryan Kittell, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in 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 on 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 fires 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 exceeding 61 mph (98 kph). ).

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