THomas Fire
Stories You Might Have Missed This Week
Air quality is harming children, sea otters get some good news, and a utility company provides a partial mea culpa for a major fire.
California's Fires Are Affecting Cities' Air Quality Dozens of Miles Away
One idea for a long-term fix: Communities could designate clean air centers where residents can spend time in filtered air for free.
It's Time to Rethink How We Fight Forest Fires
Americans learned long ago how to keep cities from burning. And then, it seems, we forgot.
The Mysterious Long-Term Effects of Inhaling Smoke From Forest Fires
As wildfires burn longer and fiercer, doctors are trying to work out how today's smoke will affect tomorrow's health.
How Does a Wildfire Affect a Marine Ecosystem?
A group of researchers and students took to the Santa Barbara Channel, while the Thomas Fire raged on shore, to learn how wildfires impact oceans.
Drought and Climate Change Could Hamper the Return of Plants and Animals Displaced by California's Biggest Wildfire
One local ecologist set out to catalog the destruction.
Following Wildfires, California to Reconsider Alert Systems
The proposed system would increase emergency alert outreach by communicating through cell phones and landlines, as well as by radio, television, and state-controlled billboards on highways.
Mudslides Hit Southern California Community Still Recovering From Thomas Fire
At least eight people have been killed by mudflows after a deluge of rain fell on the region left vulnerable by the Thomas Fire.
After an Epic Fire, Southern California Is Now Facing an Epic Flood
Mudslides, waterspouts, and flash flooding are expected in already hard-hit areas.
NOAA Announces 2017 Was Costliest Disaster Year
The total cost of $306 billion was mostly attributed to hurricanes and wildfires.
A Guide to Saving Your Town From Wildfires
These lessons from Colorado will help you get informed and involved.
Wildfires Mark the New Reality of Climate Change in 2017
As fire conditions intensify around the globe, scientists are helping countries prepare for a fiery new normal.
The Thomas Fire Is About to Become the Largest Wildfire in California History
As of Monday afternoon, the fire had swelled to 270,000 acres.
Could All That Ash From the Thomas Fire Be Making Temperatures Drop?
A reminder that wildfires have wide-ranging and surprising effects.
Frequent Fires Can Irreparably Harm Even the Most Resilient Ecosystems
Fires can be rejuvenating for some ecosystems. But as wildfires increase in frequency and severity, those ecosystems could see could their soil fertility and carbon capture depleted.
The Thomas Fire Could Become the Largest Wildfire in California History
Weather models continue to show absolutely no rainfall until December 30th at the earliest.
How California Can Mitigate Future Wildfire Damage
We have a pretty good idea of why some structures are more vulnerable to fire than others, but will those in power act on that information?
How the Thomas Fire Is Worsening the Housing Crisis for Vulnerable Students
Ventura and Santa Barbara County schools must prepare to help students who have been pushed into housing instability as a result of the wildfire.
Viewfinder: Smoke Blankets Southern California as Fires Continue to Burn
A plume of smoke is seen from Ojai, California, as the Thomas Fire grows and advances toward seaside communities on December 10th, 2017, near Carpinteria, California.
In a Future With More Wildfires, There Will Also Be More Smoke
Here's what individuals and communities can do to protect themselves.
California Wildfires Are Harming the State's Most Vulnerable Populations
As Southern California's firestorm continues to grow and air quality plummets, what happens to one of the largest unsheltered homeless populations in the nation?
The California Wildfires Could Continue Until Christmas
Without rain, high temperatures will keep the smoke coming—and could spur new fire growth.
The Hazards of Breathing Wildfire Smoke
A conversation with an atmospheric chemist about the health risks posed to Californians by smoke from the Thomas Fire and Creek Fire.
A List of Useful Wildfire Terms
If you're following coverage of wildfires, or trying to stay safe, here are some helpful definitions to know.