A winter inferno in California being fought by 8000 firefighters has been named the third worst in the state’s history, as it threatens celebrity homes in up-market Santa Barbara. Since the fire began on 4 December, about 95,000 people have been placed under mandatory evacuation.
Though firefighters managed to stop the fires from consuming thousands of homes in Santa Barbara and Montecito because of calmer winds, the Thomas Fire continues to burn, destroying an enormous 260,000 acres (105,000ha). Winds picked again to 30mph (48kph), with gusts to about 60mph (96kph) and the fire roared back to life. The Thomas fire is now the third largest wildfire in Californian history — despite the season being well into winter. The fire, described as “extreme and erratic” has forced many schools to close for days, shut roads and drove hundreds of thousands from their homes. It was also responsible for poor air quality throughout Southern California.
The blaze, centered less than 100 miles (160km) northwest of downtown Los Angeles, also has forced evacuations that turned neighborhoods into ghost towns and filled the air with smoke, blotting out the blue skies. Some 8000 firefighters were employing more than 970 fire engines and 34 helicopters to battle the blaze.
“It is a beast,” Santa Barbara County Fire Department Division Chief Martin Johnson told a news conference. “But we will kill it.” The fire that started nearly two weeks ago has burned at least 700 residences and killed a firefighter, but Cox said firefighters saved thousands of homes from being destroyed.
The blaze was moving rapidly westwards and crested Montecito Peak, just north of Montecito. Known for its star power, the enclave boasts the mansions of Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres and many other celebrities. Part of the fire south of Montecito is only 40 percent contained.
“It was absolutely incredible,” said Maya Schoop-Rutten. “There was a huge mushroom of smoke that happened in just a matter of a few minutes.”
As the northerly “sundowner” wind was driving the fire south and west, firefighters could only hope it would calm back down. It has burned more than 700 homes and killed a state firefighter.
Five of 20 most destructive fires in recorded history ravaged the state in 2017. When one fire is put out, it seems another springs up in another place. California, which is used to rains in winter, has been very dry, while under the Santa Anna winds, the region has become explosive. The Thomas fire is just one event in a year of hurricanes, floods, fires and other lesser disasters that have attacked the United States. Most people will not see the connection between the disasters and the national decline in morality, including the legalization of same-sex marriage, among other things.
“Will you gather together earthly treasure to be destroyed in the great conflagration, or will you use your talents of means and of influence for the glory of God, and send your treasure before you into Heaven? The conflagrations and disasters by sea and land that have visited our country have been sent as a warning of what is about to come upon the world. God would show the children of men that he can kindle upon their idols a fire that water cannot quench. The great general conflagration is but just ahead, when all the wasted labor of life will be consumed. But the treasure laid up in Heaven will be safe. No thief can approach nor fire destroy it.” Review and Herald, Nov. 28, 1882.