Open-Source Fire Science
Open-Source Fire Science
Two ignitions during a strong, long-duration Santa Ana wind event set off the Thomas Fire. During the initial run, the two ignitions merged and the fire raced through Ventura county toward the ocean, driven by winds down the Santa Clarita River Valley and over the southern Sierra Nevada mountains. This period is characterized as a “wind-driven event”.
During later periods, the Santa Ana event waxed and waned, varying in where and when strong winds reached the surface. In addition, the fire spread into the mountains north of the river valley, drawing itself up canyons and bowls sheltered from the winds.
