Sources: Ventura County, Mapzen, Openstreetmap (Sources: Ventura County, Mapzen, Openstreetmap)Driven by erratic winds through parched narrow canyons, the hydra-headed Thomas fire in Ventura County continued its onslaught on many fronts Thursday, roaring through beach communities, suburbs, fruit orchards and rugged mountain redoubts. While firefighters gained ground in containing other wildfires around the region, in Ventura County they feared wind could drive the flames into Carpinteria on the coast. The cause of death and the woman’s identity have not been determined, Ventura County Sheriff’s Sgt. Fire officials said the winds were particularly hard to predict around the ocean, with gusts up to 50 mph. But Ventura County Fire Department spokesman Rich Macklin said the concern was shifting to the northwest and Carpinteria, with a population of more than 13,000.

Source: Los Angeles Times December 08, 2017 09:56 UTC