In Oxnard, California, agricultural workers Samuel and Florentino experienced the effects of the Mountain fire, situated over 25 miles away, while harvesting strawberries. High winds carried smoke to their location, significantly reducing air quality and limiting their work to approximately two hours before they were compelled to leave the field. The workers, who preferred to remain anonymous for job security reasons, were equipped with N95 masks, yet the protective gear was insufficient against the deteriorating conditions.
Incidents like these are not uncommon in the region, as Samuel recalled a similar situation during the Thomas fire of 2017-2018 in Ventura County, which resulted in a hospital visit due to respiratory issues. The Mountain fire, which was 98% contained at the time of reporting, has destroyed 240 structures, damaged 125 more, and affected roughly 1,214 hectares of agricultural land.
Source: Los Angeles Times