Update on structures burned in Whittier Fire, which grew slightly on Monday

Whittier Fire map

Above: 3-D map of the Whittier Fire, looking north. Current at 9:30 p.m. PDT July 16, 2017.

(Originally published at 10:08 a.m. PDT July 17, 2017)

Relatively mild weather conditions aided firefighters on the Whittier Fire Sunday which expanded by less than 300 acres, bringing the total up to 18,311. The relative humidity at San Marcos Pass actually increased after 10 a.m. and hovered around 70 percent, and then after midnight went up to 89 percent. At 9 a.m. Monday it was still very high — 74 percent. Similar conditions should persist through Wednesday, but Thursday through Saturday could see stronger afternoon and evening winds of 10 to 14 mph.

Whittier Fire Del Rosa Hotshots
Del Rosa Hotshots on the Whittier Fire. Undated photo posted to Inciweb July 16, 2017.

Since structures burned during the early hours of the fire the number destroyed has been listed as 20. The Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management has now updated their figures and determined that a total of 46 structures were destroyed, which includes 16 residences and 30 other structures. The other structures were detached garages, barns, bunkhouses, or other improvements.

The number of personnel assigned to the Whittier Fire increased by 347 Sunday, bringing the total to 2,271.

Whittier Fire map
Map of the Whittier Fire, current at 9:30 p.m. PDT July 16, 2017. Click to enlarge.

Nationally there are 14,205 personnel assigned to wildfires — on 331 hand crews, 999 engines, and 110 helicopters.

Whittier Fire
Whittier Fire. Undated photo posted to Inciweb July 16, 2017.
Whittier Fire
The Whittier Fire as seen from Santa Ynez Peak Monday morning, July 17. HPWREN photo.
Whittier Fire MAFFS C-130
A National Guard MAFFS C-130 drops on the Whittier Fire. Undated photo posted to Inciweb July 16, 2017.
Whittier Fire
Fire retardant coats the lens on an HPWREN camera at Santa Ynez Peak, July 17, 2017.

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Author: Bill Gabbert

After working full time in wildland fire for 33 years, he continues to learn, and strives to be a Student of Fire.

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