Sustained winds over 50 mph drive the Mountain Fire near Camarillo northwest of Los Angeles with spot fires starting two-and-a-half miles in front of the main blaze.

The extreme wind conditions grounded fixed-wing aircraft because of "very dangerous" conditions caused by gusts topping 61 mph, said weather service meteorologist Bryan Lewis. He said pilots could face turbulence that could bring a plane down, as well limited visibility from the massive smoke plume.