Drivers capture intense video of Thomas Fire burning on both sides of Hwy. 101
On Tuesday night, the fast-moving Thomas Fire jumped Highway 101 in Ventura County, providing drivers with an eye-popping view of the blaze.
People driving on Highway 101 on Tuesday night posted videos of the fire as it encroached upon the freeway.
#ThomasFire North Bound 101 passing HWY 33 Ojai near Sylmar Beach via 9:45PM. pic.twitter.com/6jnuMS0G0e
— Anthony (@socalkid91) December 6, 2017
In this video from Twitter user Stephanie G., the flames can be seen burning right up to the road. In a reply to her tweet, she said the video had been taken near Amphitheater Road.
The fire has reached Hwy 101 within the past 30 or so min. Northbound. pic.twitter.com/p5PI7Zmw6A
— Stephanie G. (@StephanieElizaG) December 6, 2017
#ThomasFire #Ventura #Hwy101 @KSBY @KCOY pic.twitter.com/02l5Zw56Vo
— Michelle Heatherly (@mheatherly) December 6, 2017
A Periscope video from photographer Ryan Cullom showed flames on either side of the highway, with cars still driving as usual in both directions.
#ThomesFire at Hwy 101 https://t.co/EeOJnooOy7
— Ryan Cullom (@RC_FirePhoto) December 6, 2017
As of Wednesday morning, with flames still visible on either side of the road, the freeway remains open in both directions, Caltrans said, sharing photos of the blaze near the Seacliff exit north of Ventura.
#ThomasFire burning near U.S. 101 near Seacliff exit north of Ventura. All lanes open in both directions. pic.twitter.com/Y9H1C8e1Fq
— Caltrans District 7 (@CaltransDist7) December 6, 2017
Fueled by Santa Ana winds, the Thomas Fire has scorched at least 65,000 acres and forced the evacuations of about 27,000 people.
Gabby Ferreira: 805-781-7858, @Its_GabbyF
This story was originally published December 6, 2017 at 12:09 PM with the headline "Drivers capture intense video of Thomas Fire burning on both sides of Hwy. 101."