Kevin Luu
From a brush fire to a raging inferno, the Thomas fire, the state’s third-largest fire, erupted into flames two weeks ago and has spread faster and faster burning over 269,000 acres so far in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. It is currently only 45 percent contained and has destroyed over 1000 structures including 750 homes with the help of Santa Ana winds.
One of the factors causing this tragedy is the wind. Wind speeds can determine the fire spread. The more oxygen there is from the wind, the faster the blaze spreads. An example of a dangerous fire hazard could occur is in a situation where there is a low concentration of oxygen, referred to as a backdraught.
Also, the terrain is very dry and there is a thick brush that has not been burned for decades that is providing the fuel. More…