Tick Fire

The Tick Fire was a wildfire burning in Los Angeles County, California. The fire broke out on October 24, 2019, and burned several thousand acres.[2] The fire forced the mass evacuation of 40,000 people from the Santa Clarita valley.[3][4]

Tick Fire
Firefighters fighting the Tick Fire at Mint Canyon School
LocationLos Angeles County, California
Coordinates34°28′16″N 118°22′03″W
Statistics
Date(s)October 24, 2019 (2019-10-24) – October 31, 2019
Burned area4,615 acres (1,868 ha)[1]
Causecaused by Santa Ana winds
Buildings destroyed22

Impact

The fire in Canyon Country was reported around 1:40 p.m. Thursday October 24 near the 31600 block of Tick Canyon Road. Initially reported at 200 acres, the blaze rapidly grew to more than 850 acres in less than an hour, fire officials said.[5]

It continued to expand overnight after it jumped State Road 14, closing portions of the highway and forcing additional evacuations in the Sand Canyon area. The blaze had burned nearly 7 square miles by Friday morning of October 25 and was 5% contained, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Some 10,000 structures were threatened by the fire.[6] As of 7 a.m. Saturday October 26, the blaze was 25 percent contained. Firefighters experienced gusts of winds exceeding 40 miles per hour and temperatures near three digits, which posed a challenge to containing the fire.

Road and Freeway Closures

Tick Canyon Road between Abelia and Summit Knoll was closed off.

Soledad Canyon Road and Sand Canyon Road offramps were closed off on October 24 and reopened. The 14 Freeway, both North and South off ramps were closed, due to the abrupt and rapid spread of the fires over the freeways.

The blaze also jammed up traffic between the Antelope Valley and Los Angeles. The northbound Antelope Valley (14) Freeway was reopened on Friday October 25 as crews continued to battle the fire ahead of an anticipated shift in wind direction.

By 6 a.m. on Saturday October 26, firefighters said all road closures would be lifted with the exception of Baker Canyon and Tick Canyon Road.Other areas such as east of Sand Canyon Road south of Sierra Highway at Linda Vista Street, remained off limits at the time. Meanwhile, the northbound Antelope Valley Freeway, which had been closed between Golden Valley Road and Agua Dulce, was reopened approximately around 4 p.m. Friday October 25. The Sand Canyon Road off-ramp remained closed along with southbound lanes of the freeway, according to the California Highway Patrol.[5]

School Closures

Due to the intensity of the Santa Ana Winds and multiple fires, many Santa Clarita students were unable to attend school for the week, as schools and colleges in several districts throughout Santa Clarita were closed. These school districts, schools, and colleges included:

Sulfur Springs: Canyon Springs Community School (Elementary), Fair Oaks Ranch Community School, Golden Oak Community School, Leona Cox Community School (Elementary), Mint Canyon Community School, Mitchell Community Elementary School, Pinetree Community School, Sulphur Springs Community School, and Valley View Community School.

William S. Hart District Schools: Academy of the Canyons High School, Bowman High School, Canyon High School, Castaic High School, Golden Valley High School, Hart High School, Learning Post High School, Saugus High School, Valencia High School, West Ranch High School, Arroyo Seco Junior High School, Le Mesa Junior High School, Placerita Junior High School, Rancho Pico Junior High School, Rio Norte Junior High School, Sierra Vista Junior High School, Golden Oak Adult School, Independent study, and Sequoia School.

Newhall School District: McGrath Elementary, Meadows Elementary, Newhall Elementary, Oak Hills Elementary, Old Orchard Elementary, Peachland Elementary, Pico Canyon Elementary, Stevenson Ranch Elementary, Valencia Valley Elementary, and Wiley Canyon Elementary.

Saugus Union Elementary School District: Santa Clarita Elementary School, Bridgeport Elementary School, Cedarcreek Elementary School, Emblem Academy, James Foster Elementary School, Charles Helmers Elementary School, Highlands Elementary School, Mountainview Elementary School, Northpark Elementary School, Plum Canyon Elementary School, Rio Vista Elementary School, Rosedell Elementary School, Skyblue Mesa Elementary School, Tesoro Elementary School, and West Creek Academy

Colleges: College of the Canyons (Valencia), College of the Canyons (Canyon Country), and California Institute of the Arts (Valencia)

Power Outages

Due to the Tick fire, Southern California Edison had preemptively turned off the electricity as a preventive measure to reduce the risk that the power company equipment might ignite another fire.[7] On October 24, areas in Santa Clarita that were affected by the power outages included Agua Dulce and Canyon Country, leaving about 26,000 residents without power.[8] Another 380,000 residents were at risk of these power outages.[8]

Evacuation Centers

Evacuation centers were opened for displaced evacuees on October 25.

The gymnasium of College of the Canyons Valencia admitted about 400 residents affected by the fires.[9]

West Ranch High School opened to give shelter to residents as well.[10]

The Castaic Animal Care Center gave shelter to pets as people searched for and stayed in shelter centers.

Governor Newsom Declares State of Emergency

On October 24, the Governor announced that the state has secured federal Fire Management Assistance Grants to help ensure the availability of resources to fight the Kincade and Tick fires and enable local, state and tribal agencies to recover eligible costs. County Board of Supervisors chair Janice Hahn also issues a local emergency declaration.[11]

A public briefing in Los Angeles was also held that day, regarding the ongoing fire threats and the need to hold utilities accountable for the consequences of their decisions to shut off power for large portions of the state.[11]

On October 25, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an emergency proclamation for the counties of Sonoma and Los Angeles due to the effects of the Kincade and Tick fires.[11]

Proclamation of a State of Emergency

WHEREAS beginning on October 23, 2019, a significant wind event struck California, resulting in nearly statewide red flag warnings due to extremely dangerous fire weather conditions; and

WHEREAS on October 23, 2019, the Kincade Fire began burning in Sonoma County; and

WHEREAS on October 24, 2019, the Tick Fire began burning in Los Angeles County; and

WHEREAS these fires have destroyed structures and continue to threaten homes and other structures, necessitating the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents; and

WHEREAS these fires forced the closure of major roadways and are threatening power lines and other critical infrastructure; and

WHEREAS erratic winds, high temperatures, and dry conditions have further increased the spread of these fires; and

WHEREAS the Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved Fire Management Assistance Grants to assist with the mitigation, management, and control of the Kincade Fire and Tick Fire; and

WHEREAS local and state emergency operations centers have been activated; and

WHEREAS under the provisions of Government Code section 8558(b), I find that conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property exist due to the Kincade Fire and Tick Fire in Sonoma County and Los Angeles County, respectively; and

WHEREAS under the provisions of Government Code section 8558(b), I find that the conditions caused by these fires, by reason of their magnitude, are or are likely to be beyond the control of the services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of any single local government and require the combined forces of a mutual aid region or regions to appropriately respond; and

WHEREAS under the provisions of Government Code section 8625(c), I find that local authority is inadequate to cope with the magnitude of the damage caused by these fires; and

WHEREAS under the provisions of Government Code section 8571, I find that strict compliance with various statutes and regulations specified in this order would prevent, hinder, or delay the mitigation of the effects of these fires.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California, in accordance with the authority vested in me by the State Constitution and statutes, including the California Emergency Services Act, and in particular, Government Code section 8625, HEREBY PROCLAIM A STATE OF EMERGENCY to exist in Los Angeles and Sonoma counties due to these fires.

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:

1. All agencies of the state government utilize and employ state personnel, equipment, and facilities for the performance of any and all activities consistent with the direction of the Office of Emergency Services and the State Emergency Plan. Also, all citizens are to heed the advice of emergency officials with regard to this emergency in order to protect their safety.

2. The Office of Emergency Services shall provide local government assistance to Sonoma and Los Angeles counties, if appropriate, under the authority of the California Disaster Assistance Act, Government Code section 8680 et seq., and California Code of Regulations, Title 19, section 2900 et seq.

3. As necessary to assist local governments and for the protection of public health and the environment, state agencies shall enter into contracts to arrange for the procurement of materials, goods, and services necessary to quickly assist with the response to and recovery from the impacts of these fires. Applicable provisions of the Government Code and the Public Contract Code, including but not limited to travel, advertising, and competitive bidding requirements, are suspended to the extent necessary to address the effects of these fires.

4. The provisions of Unemployment Insurance Code section 1253 imposing a one-week waiting period for unemployment insurance applicants are suspended as to all applicants who are unemployed as a direct result of these fires who applied for unemployment insurance benefits during the time period beginning October 23, 2019, and ending on the close of business on April 23, 2020, and who are otherwise eligible for unemployment insurance benefits.

5. Vehicle Code sections 9265(a), 9867, 14901, 14902, and 15255.2, requiring the imposition of fees, are suspended with regard to any request for replacement of a driver's identification card, vehicle registration certificate, or certificate of title, by any individual who lost such records as a result of these fires. Such records shall be replaced without charge.

6. The provisions of Vehicle Code sections 4602 and 5902, requiring the timely registration or transfer of title are suspended with regard to any registration or transfer of title by any resident of Sonoma County or Los Angeles County who is unable to comply with those requirements as a result of these fires. The time covered by this suspension shall not be included in calculating any late penalty pursuant to Vehicle Code section 9554.

7. Health and Safety Code sections 103525.5 and 103625, and Penal Code section 14251, requiring the imposition of fees are hereby suspended with regard to any request for copies of certificates of birth, death, marriage, and dissolution of marriage records, by any individual who lost such records as a result of these fires. Such copies shall be provided without charge.

8. In order to directly respond to the needs of impacted assisted living facilities, adult residential facilities, child care facilities, children's residential facilities, resource family homes, and other similar facilities within the State Department of Social Services’ jurisdiction, the Director of the State Department of Social Services may waive any provisions of the Health and Safety Code or Welfare and Institutions Code, and accompanying regulations or written directives, with respect to the use, licensing, or approval of facilities or homes within the Department's jurisdiction set forth in the California Community Care Facilities Act (Health and Safety Code section 1500 et seq.), the California Child Day Care Facilities Act (Health and Safety Code section 1596.70 et seq.), and the California Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly Act (Health and Safety Code section 1569 et seq.). Any waivers granted pursuant to this paragraph shall be posted on the Department's website and shall only be in effect so long as necessary to address the direct impacts of the fires identified in this proclamation.

I FURTHER DIRECT that as soon as hereafter possible, this proclamation be filed in the Office of the Secretary of State and that widespread publicity and notice be given of this proclamation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 25th day of October 2019.

GAVIN NEWSOM

Governor of California

ATTEST:

ALEX PADILLA

Secretary of State[11]

Other Events Later on October 25, Governor Newsom traveled to Sonoma County to survey areas impacted by the Kincade Fire and meet with emergency responders, residents, health officers and local and state officials.[11]

Affected Communities

More than 4,000 residents in the Northeast Santa Clarita area were evacuated from the Tick Fires. Canyon Country was one of the most affected communities from the fires. Mandatory evacuations were located in Tick Canyon Road from Abelia Road to Summit Knoll Road.[12]

Impact on Residents

The power outages caused residents to struggle to escape, as they had to pack their belongings within their houses without light. They also struggled to quickly evacuate, as power for traffic lights were disabled. This, as well as the road closures caused traffic conditions to become slow and condensed; as hundreds of residents struggled to drive through powerless intersections and find shelter in hotels, the houses of family and friends, or at evacuation centers across Los Angeles.

While Santa Clarita families in the urban areas were more easily able to escape, the residents who owned farms, had a harder time leaving their homes. One account of a farmer in Canyon Country, Samantha Hull, described how it was to evacuate from her farm during the fires: "We were running through a pitch-black house trying to grab animals.”[13] Other Santa Clarita farmers had to let their animals roam free or attempt to hull them into their vehicles and escape.

Impact On Firefighters

As a result of the Tick Fire, there was 1 agency (Partner, Federal, and Local Agencies), 509 personnels (total fire personnel assigned), and 8 crews (number of crews assigned), to contain the rapidly spreading fires.[14] Three firefighters were injured, but there were no reported deaths.[15]

Fire Growth and Containment
Fire containment status Gray: contained; Red: active; %: percent contained;
Date Area burned acres (km2) Containment
Oct 24 4,005 acres (16.21 km2)[16]
10%
Oct 25 4,615 acres (18.68 km2)[17]
55%
Oct 26 4,615 acres (18.68 km2)[18]
65%
Oct 27 4,615 acres (18.68 km2)[19]
70%
Oct 28 4,615 acres (18.68 km2)[20]
78%
Oct 29 4,615 acres (18.68 km2)[21]
90%
Oct 30 4,615 acres (18.68 km2)[22]
98%
Oct 31 4,615 acres (18.68 km2)[23]
100%
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See also

References
  1. "Tick Fire". CalFire. 2019-10-31. Retrieved 2019-11-01.
  2. Spiegelman, Ian (2019-10-25). "High Winds Are Fueling the Already Destructive Tick Fire". Los Angeles Magazine. Retrieved 2019-10-25.
  3. "Tick fire explodes overnight: 14 Freeway closed, six homes destroyed as battle intensifies". Los Angeles Times. 2019-10-25. Retrieved 2019-10-25.
  4. Hipes, Patrick (2019-10-25). "Tick Fire: Governor Declares State Of Emergency; 14 Freeway Still Closed; 40k Evacuations, 4,300 Acres Burned & 6 Structures Lost – Update". Deadline. Retrieved 2019-10-25.
  5. "Tick Fire Containment Grows, Wind Shifts Pose Challenge". Patch. 2019-10-25. Retrieved 2019-11-20.
  6. "Homes Burned, New Evacuations Ordered in California Wildfires". Patch. 2019-10-25. Retrieved 2019-11-20.
  7. "As California Wildfire Neared, A Family Raced To Save Its Animals". NPR. 2019-11-01. Retrieved 2019-11-20.
  8. "SoCal Edison Cut Power to Agua Dulce Before Fast-Moving Tick Fire Erupted in Area". KTLA 5. Retrieved 2019-11-20.
  9. "VIDEO: Evacuation centers provide relief for residents displaced by Tick Fire". The Signal: Santa Clarita Valley. Retrieved 2019-11-20.
  10. "TickFire. A new evacuation center has opened at: West Ranch High School 26255 Valencia Blvd. Santa Clarita, Ca". california.liveuamap. Retrieved 2019-11-20.
  11. "Governor Newsom Declares State of Emergency in Sonoma and Los Angeles Counties Due to Fires". CA.Gov. 2019-10-25. Retrieved 2019-11-20.
  12. "TICK FIRE EVACUATION MAP: Residents return home, others remain under mandatory evacuations as blaze rages". ABC 7. 2019-10-27. Retrieved 2019-11-20.
  13. "As California Wildfire Neared, A Family Raced To Save Its Animals". NPR. 2019-11-01. Retrieved 2019-11-20.
  14. "Tick Fire". fire.ca.gov. 2019-10-31. Retrieved 2019-11-20.
  15. "Tick Fire update: Number of structures destroyed jumps to 18, 3 firefighters injured". The Signal: Santa Clarita Valley. 2019-10-26. Retrieved 2019-11-20.
  16. "Tick Fire Incident Update Oct 25". County of Los Angeles Fire Department. October 25, 2019. Retrieved October 30, 2019.
  17. "Tick Fire Incident Update Oct 26". County of Los Angeles Fire Department. October 26, 2019. Retrieved October 30, 2019.
  18. "Tick Fire Incident Update Oct 27". County of Los Angeles Fire Department. October 27, 2019. Retrieved October 30, 2019.
  19. "Tick Fire Incident Update Oct 27". County of Los Angeles Fire Department. October 27, 2019. Retrieved October 30, 2019.
  20. "Tick Fire Incident Update Oct 27". County of Los Angeles Fire Department. October 28, 2019. Retrieved November 20, 2019.
  21. "Tick Fire Incident Update Oct 27". County of Los Angeles Fire Department. October 28, 2019. Retrieved November 20, 2019.
  22. "Tick Fire Incident Update Oct 27". County of Los Angeles Fire Department. October 28, 2019. Retrieved November 20, 2019.
  23. "Tick Fire". CalFire. October 31, 2019. Retrieved November 1, 2019.
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