Firefighters in Southern California have gained ground after a wildfire that ravaged more than 100 structures as wind gusts subsided.

Evacuation orders were reduced to warnings for residents in several areas of Ventura County, where the mountain fire grew to about 32 square miles and was 21% contained, authorities said.

Firefighters were aided by lighter winds, mild temperatures and low humidity, which allowed fuels to dry and burn quickly, according to National Weather Service meteorologists.

“We had a very successful day with good weather,” Ventura Fire Chief Nick Cleary said Saturday.

The fire broke out last Wednesday morning and grew with the arrival of dry, hot, gusty winds, forcing thousands of residents to flee and threatening 3,500 structures in suburban neighborhoods, ranches and agricultural areas around the community of Camarillo.

More than 100 structures were destroyed and 25 others damaged, firefighters said after inspection teams fanned out to assess the impact.

Agriculture officials assessing the toll on farmland sown with avocados, citrus fruits and berries estimated the damage at US$2.4 million (£1.8 million), according to local reports.

Smoky air hangs over the area and is expected to persist for several days. But forecasters said weather conditions would remain favorable on Sunday and Monday with low temperatures and a land breeze.

Another round of northeast winds is expected Tuesday, but humidity is expected to increase and gusts are not expected to be as strong as those that fanned the fire, said Ryan Walbrun, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

The area northwest of Los Angeles has seen some of California’s most destructive fires over the years. The mountain fire quickly expanded from less than half a square mile to more than 16 square miles in just over five hours Wednesday, with gusts topping 61 mph.