California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for Ventura County on Thursday after a wildfire burned through more than 20,400 acres and forced thousands of residents to evacuate.

The fire, which began on Wednesday and spread rapidly due to strong winds, it has already destroyed 132 structures and damaged another 88 buildings, authorities told CNN.

At least 10 people were injured in the fire, which officials called the “Mountain Fire,” but most of the injuries are not life-threatening and are related to smoke inhalation.

“This is a dangerous fire that is spreading rapidly and threatening lives,” Newsom said in a statement. “California has mobilized state resources, including CAL FIRE and Cal OES personnel, engines and aircraft, to protect communities as our fire and emergency response teams work around the clock to combat this fire. Stay safe and “Alert to the instructions of local authorities as dangerous weather conditions for fires continue.”

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department said it evacuated 400 homes in total and that 250 people chose to stay behind and defend their homes from the fire. Another 800 homes were already empty when they arrived.

The cause of the mountain fire is unclear at this time, but at press time it only has 5% containment.

Misty Severi is a nightly news reporter for Just The News. Can follow her on x for greater coverage.