Millions of bees killed in Mountain Fire, loss may impact agriculture industry in Ventura County [Video]

SOMIS, Calif. (KABC) — The devastating mountain fire in Ventura County burned more than just homes — it burned livelihoods as well. And now a man is trying to get his bee service business back up after more than 100 colonies were scorched.

Eduardo Flores showed Eyewitness News what the Mountain Fire destroyed. His Ventura Bee Rescue company services around a dozen growers in the burn area in Somis and Camarillo. He showed one of the spots where he had several hives set up for his bees to pollinate the orchards.

He lost 150 colonies of bees. Each colony has between 40,000 to 80,000 bees. That adds up to millions of bees lost to the fire.

“This place was buzzing. You couldn’t hear yourself think at times, especially in the warmer times of the day — bees everywhere. And they’re busy working orchards all around. We have native trees here, pepper trees, eucalyptus, there’s …