County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — ounty of Ventura marks Mountain Fire recovery milestone with first rebuilt home cleared for occupancy

County of Ventura marks Mountain Fire recovery milestone with first rebuilt home cleared for occupancy

The County of Ventura has issued the first certificate of occupancy for a home rebuilt following the Mountain Fire, marking a significant step forward in the community’s recovery. The fire, which started November 6, 2024, burned through unincorporated Camarillo and surrounding areas, destroying 182 homes and damaging additional structures. The disaster displaced hundreds of residents and launched a long-term recovery effort involving multiple county agencies and community partners.

Since the fire, the County of Ventura has supported debris removal, streamlined permitting, and assisted residents working to rebuild. To date, the County has issued 246 permits related to the Mountain Fire, including full residential rebuilds, smaller structures, repairs, maintenance, and demolition. Of those, 72 properties have entered the rebuilding pipeline, with 39 permits issued, all of which are currently under construction. In addition, over 170 properties have completed debris removal and are cleared to begin the rebuilding process.

The first rebuilt residence signals steady progress in the County’s recovery efforts. The newly completed home belongs to Somis residents Hatim and Samah Naim, who lost their house in the fire. Their return marks the first household to receive a certificate of occupancy since the disaster. The process required months of coordination and persistence, particularly as the family rebuilt without homeowners’ insurance.

“What we went through was incredibly difficult, and there were moments when it felt overwhelming,” said Hatim Naim. “Recovering from something as life changing as losing everything in a wildfire isn’t something you can do alone. It takes support from local officials, friends, first responders and contractors. Being back home with my family means everything, and we’re so thankful to finally be here.”

Many impacted residents remain in different stages of recovery, from clearing properties to securing permits and beginning construction. The pace of rebuilding continues to increase as more projects move forward. County officials say continued progress will depend on maintaining momentum and supporting residents through each step.

“This is a powerful moment for our community,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors Jeff Gorell. “It represents resilience, determination, and what’s possible when people come together to support one another. While we celebrate this family returning home, we know many others are still navigating the rebuilding process, and we remain committed to helping every family get there.”

As rebuilding efforts continue, residents are working through decisions related to design, financing, and construction timelines. County staff remain available to provide guidance and answer questions as projects move from planning to construction and final inspection. Additional homes are expected to reach completion in the coming months.

“This progress is the result of strong coordination and a shared commitment to recovery,” said Dr. Sevet Johnson, County Executive Officer. “While there is more work ahead, we are seeing steady movement as families take steps toward returning home.”

Recovery efforts continue to involve coordination across multiple county agencies that oversee land use, building and safety, environmental health, and emergency services. That collaboration supports consistent review, timely inspections, and safe construction practices. The same coordinated approach will remain in place as more homes near completion.

“This first certificate of occupancy reflects months of work by the Naim family and County teams,” said Resource Management Agency Director Rob Mullane. “We are thrilled to issue them this certificate and look forward to issuing many more to the families and individuals who suffered loss during the Mountain Fire. We remain focused and committed to keeping rebuilding projects moving and making the process as clear and efficient as possible.”

The Ventura County Resource Management Agency continues to assist residents with permitting, plan review, and rebuilding requirements. Residents can access information, recovery resources, and updates through the County’s official recovery website. Additional data and progress updates are available at recovery.venturacounty.gov.

Questions? Email District2@ventura.org