Thomas Fire: 4th Largest in California History
The Thomas Fire has now burned more than 242,500 acres and is 30% contained. It’s now the 4th largest fire in California history (overtaking the Zaca Fire of July 2007, in Santa Barbara County, that burned 240,207 acres).
Gusty Santa Ana winds are expected for Ventura today and tomorrow, with increased winds expected for Santa Barbara on Friday night, into Saturday morning.
- Highway 154 will be closed in both directions from 5:00–9:00 a.m. daily, for the foreseeable future (so fire equipment will have free access from the fire camp at Lake Cachuma)
- Intermittent power outages may continue throughout the county as the fire continues to burn under high-tension power lines
- Emergency generators remain “locked on” for Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital so as not to be affected by possible breaks in power
- The air handlers continue to remove air particulates at the hospital so there is no need to wear a mask while in the building (air filters are being changed frequently)
- Power washing occurred over the last two days around the hospital entryways and air intake locations
Fire resources:
- 8,144 firefighters, from 10 states
- 152 hand crews
- 983 fire engines
- 6 air tankers
- 2 C130 tankers on loan from the National Guard
- 2 jumbo tankers, a 747 and DC10
- 33 helicopters (2 helicopters will be flying through the night)
- 79 dozers
- 52 water tenders
For more information and updates, please visit:
- SB County
- SB County en español
- Radio Bronco 101.7 FM en español (our Children’s Miracle Network partner)
- Ventura County