After six days of wildfires, half a dozen unconfined fires are still raging in Southern California while being fueled by the Santa Ana Winds and the less than 10% humidity. Each day brings horror to San Diego and LA as the fireballs continue to burn much of the state. In fact, over 100,000 acres and 400 structures have been burned due to the fire.
The Washington Post spoke with San Diego County Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Ron Lane about the Lilac Fire, which has injured multiple people and burned 20 structures so far. Lane says he’s never witnessed strong winds like these in December and warns that thousands of homes are still at risk in California, for “we are nowhere near the end of this.”
As for the Thomas fire, the LA Times says the officials are optimistic that densely populated areas should see relief as early as next week, but trouble will continue elsewhere.
In Ventura County, [firefighters] feared wind could drive the flames into Carpinteria on the coast. Without rain, they said, the fire could burn for weeks in remote parts of the Los Padres National Forest.
“My hope is that within a week, the issues around the population areas are going to be gone, but then it’s still going to be up in the forest in the wilderness areas,” Ventura County Fire Chief Mark Lorenzen said. “The size and the scope of this thing is going to be enormous … There’s no road out there, and the wind is pushing it. You can’t put anybody out in front of it.”
CNN reports the statistics thus far as a result of the six significant blazes that continue burning. About 160,000 acres have gone up in flames, 190,000 residents have evacuated their homes, and 5,700 firefighters are working nonstop to battle the blaze. Moreover, Schools are closed in 16 districts, and high winds will continue throughout the weekend.
According to Reuters, the California wildfires have sent film and TV productions “ scrambling”. The Southern California fires are taking a toll on the film industry, forcing producers of commercials, TV shows, and even student films to stop filming or seek alternate shooting locations. In fact, the LAPD on Wednesday suspended permitted shooting in zones near the fire as well as other areas that were deemed to be at severe risk of burning.
Phil Sokoloski, a spokesman for Film L.A., which coordinates film permits for the city of Los Angeles, told Reuters, “Everyone is usually rushing to complete production ahead of the holidays,” said Sokoloski. “This may put some additional time pressure to finish their work before the holiday season.”
Westworld, the sci-fi TV series by HBO, was among the productions that were temporarily halted on Tuesday due to nearby wildfires.
Also, CBS’ S.W.A.T. shut down for two days, eventually moving to sound stages.
