Issue link: https://resources.esri.ca/i/1256360
Use Case: Impact Analysis Burn Areas Impact Weakened Hillsides Thomas Fire, CAL FIRE The Thomas Fire was a devastating wildfire of historic proportions that burned through parts of California's Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. The fire started on December 4, 2017, north of Santa Paula and near the Thomas Aquinas College—the fire's namesake. Driven by strong Santa Ana winds, which persisted for nearly two weeks, and feeding on vast amounts of ground fuel, the fire grew rapidly. By its official end on January 12, 2018, the fire destroyed more than 1,000 structures and damaged hundreds more. It generated over $2.18 billion in damages, injuring one firefighter and claiming the life of another, along with one resident who died in an auto accident while fleeing the area. The destruction didn't stop with the fire. Rains after the fire created massive mudflows that claimed 21 lives, destroyed 129 residences, and damaged 300 more. Impact analysis was critical before and following the Thomas Fire. Wildfires had drastically weakened vegetation that provided the root foundation for the soil covering hillsides and mountain slopes. Rainstorms that showered scorched hillsides threatened to launch landslides and endanger local communities. The Esri Disaster Response Program (DRP) team created a map showing where landslides would most likely occur, including landslide risk and evacuation zones. Fusing demographic data with US Geological Survey (USGS) debris flow data, the map provided useful insights about where the community needed resources applied before the rains fell. Government agencies then planned and prioritized recovery efforts based on the areas of greatest risk and the highest concentration of people. The maps also communicated the ongoing threat to communities and encouraged citizens to remain vigilant in case of evacuation. 18