CAMARILLO, Calif. — California was buffeted Wednesday by strong winds fueling a fast-moving wildfire; Dozens of homes were destroyed and thousands of residents were forced to flee as forecasters warned of the potential for “extreme and life-threatening” fires.

The Mountain Fire has raged northwest of Los Angeles, prompting evacuation orders for more than 10,000 people as it threatens 3,500 structures in suburban communities, farms and agricultural areas around Camarillo, according to Governor Gavin Newsom. The area east of the Pacific coast city of Ventura will receive federal aid after Newsom’s request is granted, the Federal Emergency Management Agency said Wednesday.

The fire was burning in an area that has seen some of California’s most destructive fires in years. A thick cloud of smoke rose hundreds of meters into the sky on Wednesday, covering entire neighborhoods and restricting visibility for firefighters and evacuees. The fire grew from half a square mile (62 square kilometers) to 16 square miles (62 square kilometers) in just over five hours.

Ventura County Fire Captain Trevor Johnson said that crews rushed towards houses in danger of fire with their engines to save lives.

”This is as intense as it gets. “I’m sure the hair on the firefighters’ neck stands up,” he said at a news conference Wednesday afternoon.

At one point flames licked through the remains of a burned house. Its roof was just a few charred tiles.

Fire officials said two people were affected by smoke and were taken to the hospital. No firefighters reported serious injuries.

Weather meteorologist Bryan Lewis said erratic winds and limited visibility grounded fixed-wing aircraft and gusts exceeded 60 mph. Water-dropping helicopters were still flying.