Whittier Fire and Central/Southern California Fire Updates (Credit: Meteorologist Jessica Olsen)

Image Courtesy: Countyofsb.org

DISCUSSION: Well into the summer season, California is seeing its typical dry weather also bringing concern and fear as wildfires become a part of daily norms. Southern California of interest as recently nearly 3000 are evacuated due to the Whittier fire in Santa Barbara County.
 
Reports from Cal Fire have indicated that 8 homes and 12 outbuildings have burned, all due to a fire having initiated in the Santa Ynez Mountains. According to the County of Santa Barbara, as of 0700 PDT, 18,015 acres have burned since the initial fire on July 8th, 2017. This fire is said to be 36% contained. Onshore winds are expected to increase in the vicinity of this fire which may decrease temperatures however dry yet warm air is expected to remain in the region. In particular, temperatures in the Santa Ynez Mountains may see highs in the low 100’s with overall low relative humidities the Whittier fire a very dangerous situation for those in the immediate area.
 
According to Cal Fire, 95% of California’s wildfires are caused by people, these fires and others in California are still currently pending investigation. Contributions to the spread of the fire also are increased by current weather conditions which include; increased temperatures, decreased humidities, drier than normal to drought-like conditions, and wind, which can account for the additional oxygen, a fuel to push the fire through land.
 
In San Luis Obispo county, residents are still observing the prevalent Alamo fire that has decimated 28,687 acres with a containment of nearly 95%. Burning since July 6th, this fire has consumed 1 home and damaged another with minimal fire activity expected continue with this fire as crews monitor the situation.
 
Of additional interest is the Garza Fire, in Kings County, burned 48,403 acres with a 72% containment. This fire has burned 1 minor building with no structures currently threatened. There are currently over a dozen fires in the state of California, for more information on wildfires, stayed tuned to the Global Weather and Climate Center for more information!
 
© Meteorologist Jessica Olsen
 

Referenced:
California, State Of. "Cal Fire." Cal Fire. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 July 2017.
 
"Whittier Fire Information and Updates." Whittier Fire Information. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 July 2017.

Image Courtesy: CalFire and Google Maps