The spread of the Woolsey Fire in the Santa Monica Mountains slowed considerably Monday, adding very few burned acres. However on Tuesday a flareup put a large smoke column into the atmosphere near Lake Sherwood, but it was attacked aggressively by firefighters in the air and on the ground after devouring about 50 acres.
To see all articles on Wildfire Today about the Woolsey Fire, including the most recent, click HERE.
Strong winds Tuesday are keeping residents and firefighters on edge. A sampling of weather stations with high wind speeds showed gusts up to 50 mph at Warm Springs.
The fire area will remain under a Red Flag Warning through Wednesday for 20 to 30 mph winds gusting at 45 to 55, with relative humidities in the single digits.
The number of structures that have been destroyed in the fire has increased from 370 to 435. It is believed that most of them are homes, but the figures have not been broken out. Officials are still conducting surveys and the number may not remain at that level. There has been no change in fatalities, with that number remaining at two.
Even though President Trump made a vague statement on November 10 saying “no more Fed payments!” for wildfires in California, on November 12 he tweeted that he “…just approved an expedited request for a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of California.” California Governor Jerry Brown requested it on November 11.
“I had shared one video, of an area where there was nothing left on that street. And that was the best way I could describe what the city is enduring. And it’s a horrible feeling.” @FirePhotoGirl https://t.co/upxlSfNc3M
— CBCEarlyEdition (@CBCEarlyEdition) November 13, 2018
The resources assigned to the Woolsey Fire include 619 fire engines, 57 hand crews, 22 helicopters, 23 dozers, and 48 water tenders, for a total of 3,592 personnel.
Putting in a wet line. #WoolseyFire https://t.co/YqtwY361G0
— Wildfire Today ? (@wildfiretoday) November 13, 2018
