'Beyond a perfect storm': Wind-driven California fire nears record

[jpak]

Source: USA Today

VENTURA, Calif. — Dozens of helicopters and thousands of firefighters stepped up their assault Sunday on a wildfire roaring near Los Angeles that has driven tens of thousands of people from their homes and threatens to become the largest blaze in state history.

The Thomas Fire, which began Dec. 4, is only 40% contained and may not be fully contained until next month, officials said.

"Critical fire weather combined with ... single-digit relative humidities will continue to support fire growth," the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) ominously warned.

Two people have died, including firefighter Cory Iverson, and 1,000 homes have been destroyed or damaged as the blaze sweeps through more than 420 square miles. That's about 6 square miles less than the largest California wildfire on record — the Cedar Fire, which killed 15 people near San Diego 14 years ago.

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Read more: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2017/12/17/beyond-perfect-storm-wind-driven-california-fire-nears-record/959184001/

[CentralMass]

1. This is tragic.

[FarPoint]

2. Our son is still hanging in there with his condo...

Santa Barbara...was evacuated again yesterday...He is a Chef.

[BigmanPigman]

3. I live in San Diego and remember the Cedar Fire (2003)

and the Witch Fire (2007). We have had no rain in over 6 months and humidity in the teens and below for weeks now. This morning I woke up at 5 AM smelling smoke. I jumped out of bed, turned on the news and saw nothing. I still do not know what I smelled but fortunately it isn't a big fire near me. That is what is like these days. I have a full tank of gas everyday in case I need to evacuate.

[Hekate]

4. KnR