The reflection of a natural disaster

Almost two weeks after the Thomas Fire started to spread, firefighters are finally making some progress. However, they warn that the fire will continue to spread westward as it consumes parched brush.

Since the blaze broke out on December 4, it has destroyed at least 920 buildings including 700 homes. It has prompted the evacuation of about 100,000 people — making the Thomas Fire the fifth-largest wildfire in California history.

Accurate records of wildfires have been kept since 1932. According to these documents, the Rush Fire (2012) has been the largest fire yet. It affected an area of 1,277 sq km (493 sq mi). The Cedar Fire (2003) comes in second. It's the largest ever wildfire caused by human activity, burning over 1,134 sq km (438 sq mi). The current Thomas Fire is number five, with an area of 965 sq km (372 sq mi).

Climate experts say that an extreme drought and the strong Santa Ana winds are speeding up the fires in southern California. It is unusually dry in the coastal region for this time of year.

The fire got its name from the place where it was first reported. In this case, the Thomas Aquinas College north of Santa Paula. During the night, the small brush fire exploded in size and raced through the rugged mountain terrain to the west.

Air quality warnings have been issued for many areas due to dangerous levels of smoke and particulates as a result of the fire. While the alerts are in effect, authorities recommend people stay indoors, avoid driving in affected areas and drink plenty of fluids. Typically moist onshore winds that occur in the evening are bringing smoke inland.

California firefighters get plenty of support from strike teams from different US states. Ten teams came from Oregon alone. Firefighters from Arizona, Washington, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Colorado, and Utah are also on the ground.