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Thomas Fire Updates
December 17, 2017
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(photo credit A. Wagner, SBPD)
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(Mandatory: SBC 13, SBC 14, SBC 15, SBC 16, STB 8, STB 7, STB 1, MTO 8)
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How uplifting to wake up to sun and blue skies on Sunday morning! The fire's behavior overnight was pretty quiet after a really tough firefighting day yesterday. If the wind stays calm and clear today as anticipated, fire operations should be able to use a lot of air resources today as well as on-ground fire fighters as they go right at the fire and attack it head-on.
Evacuation areas are still in place and are likely to remain for at least a few more days as firefighters continue to gain control of the fire. We understand that everyone who has evacuated wants to get back into their homes. We will let the community know as soon as that is safely possible. Please be alert to changes in evacuation areas, as wind and fire behavior are unpredictable and conditions can change very quickly. For an interactive map of evacuation areas, click here:
http://arcg.is/2o0xALB
Yesterday was a challenging day for firefighters. Saturday morning, very strong north winds materialized around 7am and increased the fire's behavior significantly in the Santa Barbara Front Country. The fire made an aggressive southward push into the community of Montecito. While the fire impacted a handful of structures there, countless homes were saved through the valiant efforts of those on the front lines. Given the severity of the winds and lack of humidity, the small number of homes lost is exceptional.
Although the winds will be much calmer over southern Santa Barbara County, Red flag warnings will remain in place over various portions of the fire over the next several days due to high winds and low humidity. Critical fire weather will continue over the fire area for the next few days, with north/northeast winds alternating with light east southeast winds. This weather pattern will be conducive to west- and southward fire growth, continuing to threaten the communities of Santa Barbara, Montecito and Summerland in Santa Barbara County. For up-to-date weather information please visit the
On the north side of the fire, line construction will occur to contain fire that has spread north of Highway 33 and Rose Valley Road. Line construction, where possible, will continue within the Zaca Fire burn scar to Highway 33.
As of this morning, the Thomas Fire is approximately 269,000 acres and fast approaching the top spot as the largest fire in California's history. According to the Los Angeles Times, the Thomas Fire has grown to dwarf the size of many large U.S. cities, take a look here: http://lat.ms/2B3mrQ4
. Containment is currently at 40%, with full containment still targeted for approximately January 7th. Firefighters have achieved a major milestone by bringing together one of the largest coalitions of fire apparatus and personnel ever assembled. Currently, more than 8,500 firefighters, 972 fire engines, 77 dozers, 94 four-wheeled water tankers, a full complement of air assets, and more than 165 hand crews are working to bring the fire to containment.
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Air Quality
Poor air quality continues to be an issue, but is projected to improve soon due to increased winds. This is important for the local businesses which are currently closed and can now consider reopening their doors and encouraging holiday shopping. For daily air quality conditions, click here.
Fire Updates in Spanish
Your help is appreciated to share bilingual information with friends and neighbors and other community groups that can assist with public outreach.
- The Santa Barbara Police and Fire departments are delivering fire updates in Spanish on the City's YouTube site. To view the latest update visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzW5TNabfVY
- The County of Santa Barbara posts regular updates about the fire with evacuation areas and air quality. Visit: countyofsb.org/thomasfirespanish.sbc
- The Governor's Office of Emergency Services offers information like the location of various assistance centers, where to pick up N95 masks, and tips on preparing for evacuation, along with details about the various fires burning in the state. Visit: http://bit.ly/2ynNKyy
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- Over 150 Santa Barbara Police officers are patrolling the areas of voluntary and mandatory evacuation, augmented by over 100 National Guardsmen at fixed posts, ensuring the integrity and safety of life and property in these areas
- Santa Barbara Airport is open as of 9 a.m. this morning and all scheduled flights are expected to operate.
- Leafblower use is strongly discouraged as they blow ash and particles into the air.
- A Community Meeting will be held every day at 4 pm at San Marcos High School (4750 Hollister Ave., Santa Barbara) through Friday. Representatives from cooperating agencies managing the incident will provide a briefing and be available for questions.
- If you have questions about the Thomas Fire or Community Meeting or the fire, please call the Fire Information Line at 805-465-6650.
- Residential recycling and green waste pickups are back on schedule. Read more at Facebook: CityTrash.Recycling Twitter: SBCityTrash
- Family activities have been expanded at the Central and Eastside Libraries since school is not in session this week. Families can drop by for storytimes, explore Tech Labs, build with LEGOs in the Learning Lab, make winter arts and crafts, or play any of the library's board games. Click here for more information.
- Street sweeping will resume in residential neighborhoods on Monday, December 18th. It is important to get the ash and debris out of the streets where it is frequently being re-suspended in the air after being disturbed by passing vehicles. The City is working with County Public Health Officials on an action plan. View the schedule: http://bit.ly/2jXkACb
- Over 400,000 masks have been distributed in Santa Barbara County to help residents with poor air quality. The following sites will have N-95 masks available on Friday/Saturday/Sunday, December 15-17:
- Goleta Valley Community Center, (5679 Hollister Ave) 10am-7pm - Fri./Sat./Sun.
- Goleta City Hall, (130 Cremona Drive) 9am-12pm Friday only.
- Santa Barbara Public Library (40 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara), 10am-7pm - Fri./Sat.; Sunday 1pm-5pm.
- Carpinteria, Albertsons Shopping Center (1018 Casitas Pass Rd) 10am-5pm, Fri./Sat.
- Buellton CVS, ask store staff (218 East Hwy 246, Buellton) 8am-10pm.
- Information Kiosks have been installed in a few locations to review a fire map, read safety information, and possibly obtain a mask:
- Paseo Nuevo (651 Paseo Nuevo facing State Street).
- Stearns Wharf (Cabrillo and State).
- Santa Barbara Public Library (40 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara).
- Franklin Community Center (1136 East Montecito Street, Santa Barbara), Masks available.
- Foodland (1501 San Andres St., Santa Barbara).
- To assist with Small Animal Sheltering, the Santa Barbara Humane Society is now open. For questions, call 805-964-4777.
- Reduce power consumption to provide maximum coverage to the entire Santa Barbara area. This includes unplugging unused devices and holiday lights. For more information, visit Southern California Edison's website.
- Conserve water to help firefighting operations. Our water resources are needed to fight the fire.
- To clean up ash in a safe manner, please review the latest recommendations. Click here for more information: http://bit.ly/2iYsdXT
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| Information Sources
If you have not signed up for emergency alerts, you will not receive urgent messages! Sign up for emergency alerts from Santa Barbara County at: awareandprepare.org
Check the information sources below to get current updates.
For faster updates, go to the City's Twitter feed @SBCity
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