2017 California Wildfires

Update 1 | Summary
Posting Date: October 16, 2017, 9:26:00 AM

As winds moderated on Sunday, October 15, firefighters were able to make progress toward containing the 15 large wildfires active across California. The confirmed death toll has risen to 40, more than 217,000 acres have burned, and it is estimated that 5,700 structures have been destroyed. Light winds across Northern California enabled Red Flag Warnings for the area to be lifted at 8 a.m. on Sunday, but in Southern California the warnings remained in force because of gusty winds.

Although some residents are being allowed to return home, almost 75,000 people remained evacuated as of yesterday morning. Mandatory evacuation orders have been lifted in some areas, including the cities of Napa and Calistoga. To minimize traffic congestion and possible safety hazards (the ash and debris can be toxic), authorities will phase repopulations. According to county supervisor Belia Ramos, Napa County is beginning to turn its focus toward recovery.

Although winds have died down temporarily and light rain is forecast for the region later this week, the situation remains extremely volatile. Fire officials have warned that even suppressed wildfires can behave erratically, projecting embers some distance to ignite new blazes; fire continues to threaten the outskirts of Sonoma.

Current Conditions

It is estimated that 217,566 acres have burned, and that 5,700 structures have been destroyed. According to CAL FIRE:

• The Tubbs, Pocket, Nun, and Oakwood fires have together destroyed 3,947 structures and damaged 159

• The Atlas fire has destroyed 342 structures and damaged 50

• The Redwood and Sulphur fires have destroyed 433 single family homes and damaged 21, damaged 4 commercial structures, and destroyed 242 minor structures

CAL FIRE also notes multiple structures lost to the Lobo Fire in Nevada County. The fires have reportedly cost Santa Rosa 5% of its housing. Fortunately, the improved weather on Sunday enabled firefighters to make considerable progress toward containment and to shift their focus to the Nuns fire in Sonoma County.

Status from the California Statewide Fire Summary, Sunday, October 15, 2017

Forecast Intensity

Temperatures will likely be cooler over the next few days and winds are expected to ease, but may shift again later this week. Significant rainfall is unlikely, but according to the National Weather Service, a system from the Gulf of Alaska may bring light rain to the region on Thursday morning.

The AIR Wildfire team continues to monitor the situation in California and will provide more information as warranted.

A shapefile containing perimeters of seven of California’s currently active wildfires is available on the Downloads tab of this posting. Also posted is a list of ZIP Codes within those perimeters. Posted fire perimeters from GeoMAC (timestamp: 7:10 a.m. Mountain Time, 9:10 a.m. Eastern Time, October 16) are as follows:

1. Sulphur Fire (Mendocino-Lake Complex)
2. Redwood Valley Fire (Mendocino-Lake Complex)
3. Nuns Fire
4. Tubbs Fire (Central LNU Complex)
5. Oakmont Fire (Central LNU Complex)
6. Pocket Fire (Central LNH Complex)
7. Atlas Fire (Southern LNU Complex)

Update 1 | Downloads
Posting Date: October 16, 2017, 9:26:00 AM