Driven by powerful Santa Ana winds, the Mountain Fire in Ventura County forced more than 10,000 people to evacuate from their homes as it exploded by thousands of acres within hours, injuring people and destroying homes in its path.

The fire prompted evacuation orders for more than 10,000 people as it threatened structures in suburban communities and agricultural areas around Camarillo.

Santa Ana winds impacting Ventura County have made the fire more difficult to extinguish, the Fire Department said.