California Wildfires Now Larger Than New York City and Boston — Combined

By  Amanda Froelich Truth Theory

It has been one week since the Thomas Fire exploded from a brush fire. Despite thousands of firefighters attempting to control it, the blaze has grown. Now, it is larger than New York City and Boston — combined.

According to CNN, the fire was about 20 percent contained as of Monday evening. However, the Thomas Fire is but one of six fires which are engulfing the state. Together, they’ve destroyed more than 1,000 structures.

Many are still hoping for the best, such as Barbara Nimmo. The California resident said she lived through the Zaca fire that burned more than 240,000 acres in 2007, and witnessed the blaze in Romero Canyon more than 40 years ago. As a result, she feels comfortable staying put in the affluent Montecito area, in Santa Barbara County.

“We’re from here. We know fires and we feel absolutely dedicated to our clients,” said Nimmo, an estate manager. ”I’m just devastated overall. This is the worst I’ve seen.”

Facts about the Thomas Fire:

So far, more than 230,000 acres in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties have been consumed by the fires. Thomas Fire is now the fifth largest wildfire in modern California history.’

Many firefighters are sleep-deprived, as they’ve gone above and beyond the call of duty to extinguish the blaze.

To ensure the public’s safety, a “red flag warning” for Los Angeles and Ventura counties has been extended into Wednesday evening, according to the National Weather Service. This suggests elevated fire weather conditions are expected as a result of winds and low humidity.

In the past week, close to 100,000 people have been ordered to evacuate the counties. So far, the death toll remains at 1. Virginia Pesola, 70, of Santa Paula died in a crash while fleeing the fire. Authorities found her body last Wednesday.

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Image Credit: Sand Fire Scorches California