CA - Wind-Driven Thomas Fire Explodes to 31,000 Acres; 150 Structures Destroyed, 2017

[crhedBngr]

Checking in.

Per the article below:

.DISCUSSION...Little change is expected through Thursday. The
extended period of offshore flow will continue, but will be half as
strong as what occurred last week. Expect daily peak gusts in the 20
to 40 mph range. The humidities will remain very dry with poor
overnight recoveries, similar to last week. The current Red Flag
Warning will likely be extended as a result, but may remove some
areas. That decision will be made for the afternoon issuance.

http://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=lox&wwa=red%20flag%20warning

Prayers continued for All affected.

 

[FindHG]

I am glad to see everyone is safe and hope it stays that way. The west end of the fire is moving incredibly fast towards all these beautiful little towns. Unfortunately, the east end is also moving, albeit much, much slower and fewer evacuations on this side. Its alarming to look out your window and see the flames. I have to keep reminding myself that although its creeping closer, they have a better handle on this end and we are safe.
I did a couple of jobs in Ventura yesterday and its crazy. Smoke is just hanging in the air. I had to hurry home for a breathing treatment...IDK how people who live there are coping. Being from TX, Ive never experienced anything like this and its just heartbreaking to see it in person.
Thank you so much for all the posts. I havent had time to watch the news so its awesome that I can come here and get fully updated. Thank you for the efforts everyone is making to keep us in the loop.
Praying for all of you (and the animals, esp at the SB zoo)
Until tomorrow, be safe everyone

Thank you for for this, mistivon. Hopes for your safety and beyond.

Checking in.

Per the article below:



http://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=lox&wwa=red%20flag%20warning

Prayers continued for All affected.

Fire Weather Warning10:00AM PST
CAZ246-253-254-120200-/O.CON.KLOX.FW.W.0009.000000T0000Z-171212T0400Z/Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area-Ventura County Mountains / Los Padres National Forest-Los Angeles County Mountains / Angeles National Forest-956 AM PST Mon Dec 11 2017...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM PST THIS EVENINGFOR STRONG NORTHEAST WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY OVER THE LOSANGELES AND VENTURA COUNTY MOUNTAINS...* Winds...Northeast 10 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph.* Relative Humidity...Daily minimum 3 to 10 percent.* Impacts...If fire ignition occurs, there will be the potential for very rapid spread of wildfire with long range spotting and extreme fire behavior that could lead to a threat to life and property. Use extreme caution with potential fire ignition sources.PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditionsare expected. A combination of gusty winds and low relativehumidity can contribute to extreme fire behavior. Use extremecaution when using potential fire ignition sources. This is adangerous situation, please follow evacuation orders.&&$$


http://www.keyt.com/weather/alerts

 

[FindHG]

Carpinteria City Council Declares Local State of Emergency as Thomas Fire Continues to Grow


http://www.keyt.com/lifestyle/resid...-neighboring-san-luis-obispo-county/671368817

https://www.noozhawk.com/article/hazardous_air_pollution_worst_on_record_for_santa_barbara_county


"Monday Night Battle Against Thomas Fire Focused on Toro and Romero Canyons

With wind shifting to the north, flames present greater threat to homes in Carpinteria and communities to the west"...

http://abc7.com/ventura-county-comes-together-to-help-thomas-fire-victims/2770892/

"Ash falls like snow as tens of thousands flee Thomas fire"
AP via L A Daily News


Focus Turns to Recovery
http://www.vcstar.com/story/news/lo...covery-thomas-fire-continues-north/943326001/

Avocado trees create buffer
http://www.keyt.com/news/avocado-tr...teria-farmers-home-from-thomas-fire/671550882

~

Hope you're all doing well, those touched by fires. Thoughts and concern continue :heartbeat:

 

[margarita25]

California wildfires: Governor offers grim outlook
http://www.cnn.com/2017/12/10/us/california-wildfires/index.html

"Gov. Jerry Brown has a sobering message for Southern Californians after a week of raging wildfires: This is your new normal."

Snip

"This is kind of the new normal," he said, adding that extreme fire activity will happen on a regular basis for decades.

"With climate change, some scientists are saying that Southern California is literally burning up," he said. "So we have to have the resources to combat the fires and we also have to invest in managing the vegetation and forests ... in a place that's getting hotter."

Eta: I see Mica already posted this. Worth bringing forward again anyway I suppose, unfortunately.

This is terrible news...

California wildfires: Governor offers grim outlook

Gov. Jerry Brown has a sobering message for Southern Californians after a week of raging wildfires: This is your new normal.

A half dozen fires have collectively scorched more than 180,000 acres since last week and destroyed 792 structures, according to officials.

< >

This is kind of the new normal," he said, adding that extreme fire activity will happen on a regular basis for decades.

"With climate change, some scientists are saying that Southern California is literally burning up," he said. "So we have to have the resources to combat the fires and we also have to invest in managing the vegetation and forests ... in a place that's getting hotter."


Latest developments

Setbacks: A Red Flag Warning is in effect for much of Los Angeles and Ventura counties until Sunday evening, the National Weather Service said. It means that critical fire weather conditions are expected due to a combination of gusty winds and low humidity.

Progress: Cal Fire director Ken Pimlott said firefighters are making a lot of progress, but there's still much to be done. "We're far from being out of the woods on any of them," he said.

Teamwork: Nearly 1,000 fire departments across California are involved in efforts to contain the blazes.

More help: The White House has approved California's request for direct federal assistance. President Donald Trump ordered FEMA and Homeland Security to coordinate relief efforts in affected counties.

http://www.cnn.com/2017/12/10/us/california-wildfires/index.html

 

[margarita25]

California (more like SoCal) is my most favourite area.
I travel there at least once a year.
Now it's on fire
Stay safe to the WSers who live in or around the fire areas

Yes and guys, please wear masks and follow the directives re: protection from bad air quality. It's not worth taking long term risks if you can help it.

Also, I remember from NorCalifornia fires some articles advising people not to do clean up on your own, have the pros do it if possible, as that is all toxic stuff now. Will look for article tomorrow. I know it's easier said then done but be careful during this time with all that, hopefully these will be contained sooner than later.

Again, hugs to all local members affected.

 

[Spellbound]

It is mind-blowing to me that these fires can last so long. I woke to a very windy (and feeezing cold) Michigan morning. the thought of a fire in these conditions would freak me to no end.

Thinking of everyone who is affected and sending my love, Stay safe, smart, and aware of your surroundings and the potential for leaving. Just no words to adequately express my concern. :grouphug:

 

[DakotaMayi]

The haze just can't stay away: Wildfire smoke drifts into Seattle, again

http://www.kiro7.com/news/local/the...ire-smoke-drifts-into-seattle-again/662427837


Smoke from Los Angeles-area wildfires makes way into Puget Sound region

http://komonews.com/weather/scotts-...a-wildfires-makes-way-into-puget-sound-region

 

[Lilibet]

The haze just can't stay away: Wildfire smoke drifts into Seattle, again

http://www.kiro7.com/news/local/the...ire-smoke-drifts-into-seattle-again/662427837


Smoke from Los Angeles-area wildfires makes way into Puget Sound region

http://komonews.com/weather/scotts-...a-wildfires-makes-way-into-puget-sound-region

Yes, nice sunrises and sunsets. I hadn&#8217;t realized until you posted that SoCal fires are causing the haze here in Southern Oregon. I used the website AirNow during August and part of September when our air quality ranged from &#8220;moderate&#8221; as it is now to &#8220;very unhealthy.&#8221; I stayed inside mostly and wore an approved mask if I went out. I have mild asthma and never had to use my inhaler. So take precautions everyone!!

Seattle&#8217;s current yellow &#8220;moderate&#8221; is worse than our &#8220;moderate&#8221; and it recommends that sensitive people need to avoid heavy or prolonged exertion.

https://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.local_city&cityid=853

https://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.local_city&cityid=258

Sending another batch of hugs to all affected. :heartbeat:

 

[DakotaMayi]

Yes, nice sunrises and sunsets. I hadn&#8217;t realized until you posted that SoCal fires are causing the haze here in Southern Oregon. I used the website AirNow during August and part of September when our air quality ranged from &#8220;moderate&#8221; as it is now to &#8220;very unhealthy.&#8221; I stayed inside mostly and wore an approved mask if I went out. I have mild asthma and never had to use my inhaler. So take precautions everyone!!

Seattle&#8217;s current yellow &#8220;moderate&#8221; is worse than our &#8220;moderate&#8221; and it recommends that sensitive people need to avoid heavy or prolonged exertion.

https://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.local_city&cityid=853

https://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.local_city&cityid=258

Sending another batch of hugs to all affected. :heartbeat:

Yes, some beautiful sights to see. But yes, please take the precautions!

Hey, it's actually dry here for once, that is sure proof that the weather can take unexpected turn.

Hoping everyone is ok again today... IQ & all, we're thinking of you.

 

[DakotaMayi]

California wildfires have destroyed 1,000 structures ... and counting


http://edition.cnn.com/2017/12/12/us/california-fires/index.html

(CNN)In a hopeful sign, thousands of firefighters are making headway Tuesday against the vast Thomas Fire in Southern California, with winds decreasing to 15 to 25 mph and the Santa Ana wind event beginning to wane.
The blaze, which is larger than New York City, and was about 20% contained as of Tuesday morning,according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, known as Cal Fire.

In addition to diminishing winds, "red flag warnings" are now confined to the mountains of Los Angeles and Ventura counties and cover just over 1 million residents.At the peak of the wildfires last week, the warnings -- which signal extreme fire danger -- covered nearly 20 million people.
The outlook for rain, however, remains grim. It's expected to stay dry for at least seven days, and another significant wind event could develop by next weekend, CNN senior meteorologist Dave Hennen said Tuesday.

 

[DakotaMayi]

(CNN)A spate of California wildfires have destroyed an area larger than New York City and Boston -- combined. And with the colossal Thomas Fire only 20% contained, the end is a long way off.
Santa Ana winds literally have been adding fuel to the fires.
Here are the staggering numbers behind the blazes:

234,000 acres
That's the size of the Thomas Fire, the largest fire ripping across Southern California. It started in Ventura County and is now moving across Santa Barbara County.
At more than 234,000 acres, the Thomas Fire is the fifth largest blaze in modern California history. It's torched an area larger than all of New York City.
Several other ongoing wildfires have destroyed over 26,000 acres in Southern California.

$48 million
That's how much money has already been spent fighting the Thomas Fire, according to Ventura County. And the cost is sure to grow, since the inferno was only 20% contained as of Tuesday morning.

25,000 homes threatened
At least 25,000 homes are threatened by five wildfires, according to the fire protection agency CAL FIRE.

1,000 structures destroyed
More than 1,000 structures have been wiped out, CAL FIRE said. It's not clear how many were homes and how many were businesses.

9,600 firefighters
Nearly 7,000 firefighters were tackling the Thomas Fire alone.
The Nevada Department of Corrections and Nevada Division of Forestry, which run conservation camps, have sent six trained crews of minimum security inmates to help.
Thousands more firefighters -- including some from Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Utah and Washington state -- were involved in fighting the other wildfires.

85,000 power outages
Santa Barbara County has suffered intermittent (but widespread) power outages due to the Thomas Fire. Southern California Edison said that outages and surges had left up to 85,000 customers without electricity.

296 index
Every day, Los Angeles firefighters receive a brush-burning index report that indicates the fire danger. If it's 162 or higher, that's considered extreme. Late last week, the number was 296.

98,000 evacuees
At least 98,000 residents have been evacuated in Southern California, according to CAL FIRE.

$10 billion
This year has been the costliest for wildfires in United States history. Damages have topped $10 billion in 2017 -- and that was before the current spate of Southern California fires began.

CNN's Brandon Miller, Joe Sutton and Ray Sanchez contributed to this report.

http://edition.cnn.com/2017/12/11/us/california-wildfires-numbers/index.html

 

[DakotaMayi]

Latest: Crews protect hillside home as California fire roars

Firefighters protected foothill homes near Santa Barbara, taking advantage of calmer overnight winds that forecasters say could whip up again Tuesday.

Officials express relief that much of the fire's growth is occurring to the north in unoccupied forest land but warn that the seaside towns of Montecito and Carpinteria and Fillmore in Ventura County remain at risk. Tens of thousands remain evacuated.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2017/12/1...t-hillside-home-as-california-fire-roars.html

Looks like the winds could spike again today. It's still the only the morning. I hope they are wrong.

 

[IQuestion]

IQ, as I said before, I don't think we have crossed passed before on these threads but, you have quickly become one of my favorite people around here. Your positivity is amazing to read. I am glad you and your husband are safe and praying that all of the pieces start to come back together.

Also, I bolded and underlined a part there, I passed this onto my friend while on the phone with her and she reiterated that information to her in laws immediately and I can say that the "thank you thank you thank you!!!!!" that they screamed down the phone, needs to be passed onto you from them. They admitted that they are in a haze right now and don't know which foot to put forward first and any advice they get from anywhere is so so appreciated.

Even in these darker times, you have helped so many. Thank you, IQ, I'm glad we crossed paths.

In the meantime though, I'll be here praying that whatever needs to happen next for you, happens and swiftly.

Keeping an eye out for your next update.

Hiya ANAPISCES I am glad we crossed paths now! (Sometimes I just make people "cross" lol.) I tried to provide valuable updates....some that will be ESPECIALLY HELPFUL FOR YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY....please share.
#1) The state and county will clean/remove all the HAZARDOUS WASTE AT NO COST TO THE HOMEOWNERS!!!! This is absolutely amazing and a safety requirement for future construction or sale. Ash from a structure fire is much more toxic than ash from a forest fire. A structure fire can leave asbestos, arsenic, cadmium, lead, paints, solvents and flame retardants.

#2) While "boil water" warnings were issued, all tests have come back "AT NO TIME DID THE TESTS DETECT HARMFUL CONTAMINANTS." Yahoo!!
#3) Ventura normally has 6 fire houses with 22 first responders each....we currently have 4000 first responders working the area.
#4) We will probably experience "STRESS, GRIEF, GUILT & ANGER", according to the directer of behavioral health. (Bullseye on that call!)
#5)The wind gusts were 60 to 80 MPH when the fire first reported at 6:50 PM and moved 13 miles in the first night!! No brakes on that freight train of destruction consuming dry vegetation at a rate of 270 feet per minute.
#6) The fire and police departments, realizing the fast moving danger.....EVACUATED 27,000 HILLSIDE RESIDENTS IN ONE HOUR!!! They ran through the neighborhoods with bullhorns, banging on doors, and getting people moving to safety.
One thing we shall always remember....their actions is what saved the life of every man, woman and child from a structure related death. (One lady died in a single car accident as she tried to evacuate. RIP dear Lady.) So far, 537 structures destroyed and 118 damaged. This fire has exceeded 230,000 acres making it the 5th largest fire in Calif history.
(Everything above is a synopsis of community meeting which lasted about an hour, entire video link supplied here.)
http://www.capsmedia.org/thomas-fire-incident-community-meeting/
I've got to get ready to meet with "insurance field adjuster" later....the 4th one we have been handed-off-to. (I have read this is normal, so not panicking yet.) Hubby and I spent $38.94 at the Goodwill on Sunday...3 pairs of jeans, 1 pair khakis, and 2 shirts...
and we giggled like sophomores on a budget. NO DRESSING ROOMS, but they do have a 7 day return policy....we looked at each other and screamed, "Deal!"
Will report more in a couple days....

 

[DakotaMayi]

Hiya ANAPISCES I am glad we crossed paths now! (Sometimes I just make people "cross" lol.) I tried to provide valuable updates....some that will be ESPECIALLY HELPFUL FOR YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY....please share.
#1) The state and county will clean/remove all the HAZARDOUS WASTE AT NO COST TO THE HOMEOWNERS!!!! This is absolutely amazing and a safety requirement for future construction or sale. Ash from a structure fire is much more toxic than ash from a forest fire. A structure fire can leave asbestos, arsenic, cadmium, lead, paints, solvents and flame retardants.

#2) While "boil water" warnings were issued, all tests have come back "AT NO TIME DID THE TESTS DETECT HARMFUL CONTAMINANTS." Yahoo!!
#3) Ventura normally has 6 fire houses with 22 first responders each....we currently have 4000 first responders working the area.
#4) We will probably experience "STRESS, GRIEF, GUILT & ANGER", according to the directer of behavioral health. (Bullseye on that call!)
#5)The wind gusts were 60 to 80 MPH when the fire first reported at 6:50 PM and moved 13 miles in the first night!! No brakes on that freight train of destruction consuming dry vegetation at a rate of 270 feet per minute.
#6) The fire and police departments, realizing the fast moving danger.....EVACUATED 27,000 HILLSIDE RESIDENTS IN ONE HOUR!!! They ran through the neighborhoods with bullhorns, banging on doors, and getting people moving to safety.
One thing we shall always remember....their actions is what saved the life of every man, woman and child from a structure related death. (One lady died in a single car accident as she tried to evacuate. RIP dear Lady.) So far, 537 structures destroyed and 118 damaged. This fire has exceeded 230,000 acres making it the 5th largest fire in Calif history.
(Everything above is a synopsis of community meeting which lasted about an hour, entire video link supplied here.)
http://www.capsmedia.org/thomas-fire-incident-community-meeting/
I've got to get ready to meet with "insurance field adjuster" later....the 4th one we have been handed-off-to. (I have read this is normal, so not panicking yet.) Hubby and I spent $38.94 at the Goodwill on Sunday...3 pairs of jeans, 1 pair khakis, and 2 shirts...
and we giggled like sophomores on a budget. NO DRESSING ROOMS, but they do have a 7 day return policy....we looked at each other and screamed, "Deal!"
Will report more in a couple days....

Good to hear from you, IQ! And thank you for the update. I will forever be amazed at the work of fire and police departments. I cannot believe after all of this devastation, only one lady has died (thank goodness). While the loss that you all have suffered is awful, I'm glad you are all safe and well and can't wait to hear of your new adventures once everything is on the right tracks again.

Speak soon, IQ.

 

[Gardenista]

Cause of Skirball fire was &#8216;illegal cooking&#8217; in homeless camp, LAFD says

http://www.dailynews.com/2017/12/12...legal-cooking-in-homeless-camp-officials-say/

 

[ilovepierre]

Cause of Skirball fire was ‘illegal cooking’ in homeless camp, LAFD says

http://www.dailynews.com/2017/12/12...legal-cooking-in-homeless-camp-officials-say/

What is "illegal cooking?" Like campfires?

 

[katydid23]

What is "illegal cooking?" Like campfires?

ANY fire of any type is illegal , outside, in California. One may use BBQs and fire pits in the backyard in SOME areas. But because of the drought and the dry tinder-like conditions, campers cannot even build fires in most areas now.

 

[ilovepierre]

ANY fire of any type is illegal , outside, in California. One may use BBQs and fire pits in the backyard in SOME areas. But because of the drought and the dry tinder-like conditions, campers cannot even build fires in most areas now.

Oh really?
I didn't know that (about outside fires being illegal)!

 

[Lilibet]

Cause of Skirball fire was ‘illegal cooking’ in homeless camp, LAFD says

http://www.dailynews.com/2017/12/12...legal-cooking-in-homeless-camp-officials-say/

A fire that started on a windy day (cigarette or cooking) in a homeless encampment on the edge of my town jumped Interstate 5 and burned 11 houses in a subdivision in 2010. There was an arrest, but the guy is mentally ill and nothing came of it. He’s still around. :banghead: Prohibiting the homeless from camping is a very “hot” issue in my town and elsewhere.

http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-n..._fire_that_destroyed_11_homes_in_ashland.html

http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-n...amiliar_face_around_southern_oregon_town.html

 

[crhedBngr]

A fire that started on a windy day (cigarette or cooking) in a homeless encampment on the edge of my town jumped Interstate 5 and burned 11 houses in a subdivision in 2010. There was an arrest, but the guy is mentally ill and nothing came of it. He&#8217;s still around. :banghead: Prohibiting the homeless from camping is a very &#8220;hot&#8221; issue in my town and elsewhere.

http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-n..._fire_that_destroyed_11_homes_in_ashland.html

http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-n...amiliar_face_around_southern_oregon_town.html

Ditto this. There is a homeless encampment about 1 mile north of our place, under a refinery bridge. Several years ago, a fire burned through brush under said bridge. The fire dept. contained it before it got out of hand.

ETA: Seeing portions of Santa Barbara and Carpinteria destroyed breaks my heart. I did the Avon39 "Walk to End Breastcancer" two years in a row, and walked through most of Santa Barbara, ending in Carpinteria. I'm sure that lovely portion of the Carpinteria beach where we walked is now gone.