Thomas Fire: Good News

There is some good news this morning!

The winds were calm on Sunday and are expected to shift to a south-southwest direction this afternoon. Temperatures are anticipated to be cooler, with a relative higher humidity; hopefully it will provide favorable conditions for firefighters.

Today’s areas of concern remain securing the front country above Santa Barbara, Montecito, and Summerland, and also Matilija Wilderness, Rose Valley, and Sespe river drainage north of Fillmore. Fire suppression repair and damage inspection will continue based upon fire conditions. No sundowner winds are expected until Wednesday. Firefighters are expanding suppression efforts so the fire burns in the back country, where aircraft are able to fight the fire while local crews work on the front country safety.

Thomas Fire details as of 7:00 a.m. this morning:

• 270,500 acres
• 45%contained
• 8,452 firefighters
• 166 hand crews
• 972 fire engines
• 6 air tankers
• 2 C130 tankers on loan from the National Guard
• 2 jumbo tankers, a 747 and DC10
• 34 helicopters (2 helicopters will be flying through the night)
• 75 dozers
• 86 water tenders

We hope you and your loved ones are safe and the evacuation orders are lifted as quickly as possible so everyone can return to their homes.

All Cottage Health hospitals are outside the evacuation areas and are fully staffed to provide ongoing patient care. If you are a family member needing to reach a patient in the hospital, please call (805) 682-7111. We are closely monitoring the situation for the safety of our patients and employees.