An extended period of offshore winds affected Southern California. North to northeast wind gusts in excess of 65 MPH were reported in some areas. The strong winds, combined with very dry conditions, helped fuel two significant wildfires. The Tea Fire, near Montecito in Santa Barbara county, burned 1,940 acres. The Sayre Fire, north of Sylmar in Los Angeles county, burned 11,262 acres. Both fires produced significant loss of residences.

High Wind in SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SOUTH COAST, CALIFORNIA
From 13-NOV-08 16:00:00 to 13-NOV-08 23:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 63.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Strong and gusty northerly winds affected the foothill areas south of the Santa Ynez range in southern Santa Barbara county. The RAWS sensor at Montecito reported sustained winds between 40 and 55 MPH with gusts as high as 72 MPH.

High Wind in LOS ANGELES COUNTY MOUNTAINS EXCLUDING THE SANTA MONICA RANGE, CALIFORNIA
From 14-NOV-08 10:00:00 to 14-NOV-08 14:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Gusty north to northeast winds affected the mountains of Los Angeles county. The RAWS sensor at Warm Springs reported north to northeast winds gusting to 60 MPH while the RAWS sensor at Chilao reported north to northeast winds gusts to 59 MPH.

High Wind in VENTURA COUNTY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 14-NOV-08 10:00:00 to 14-NOV-08 14:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Gusty north to northeast winds affected the mountains of Ventura county. North to northeast winds gusting to 60 MPH were reported.

High Wind in SANTA BARBARA COUNTY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 13-NOV-08 16:00:00 to 13-NOV-08 23:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 63.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Strong and gusty northerly winds affected the Santa Ynez range in southern Santa Barbara county. The RAWS sensor at Montecito reported sustained winds between 40 and 55 MPH with gusts as high as 72 MPH.

High Wind in SANTA CLARITA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
From 15-NOV-08 03:00:00 to 15-NOV-08 03:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 57.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Strong and gusty north to northeast wind affected the Santa Clarita Valley. The RAWS sensor at Newhall Pass reported a wind gust of 66 MPH.

High Wind in VENTURA COUNTY COASTAL VALLEYS, CALIFORNIA
From 14-NOV-08 18:00:00 to 14-NOV-08 18:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Strong and gusty north to northeast wind affected the valleys of Ventura county. The RAWS sensor at Wiley Ridge reported a wind gust to 60 MPH.

Wildfire in LOS ANGELES COUNTY SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
From 14-NOV-08 22:49:00 to 20-NOV-08 18:00:00 (PST-8)
Property damage: 3.50M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

The Sayre Fire burned 11,262 acres of land in the foothills of Los Angeles county near the community of Sylmar. The fire, started under unknown circumstances, was fueled by northeast winds gusting in excess of 60 MPH as well as very dry conditions. The Sayre Fire produced significant property damage. An estimated 487 residences were destroyed with the most significant damage occurring in a mobile home park. Initial property damage estimates are in excess of $3.5 million.

Wildfire in LOS ANGELES COUNTY MOUNTAINS EXCLUDING THE SANTA MONICA RANGE, CALIFORNIA
From 14-NOV-08 22:49:00 to 20-NOV-08 18:00:00 (PST-8)
Property damage: 3.50M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

The Sayre Fire burned 11,262 acres of land in the foothills of Los Angeles county near the community of Sylmar. The fire, started under unknown circumstances, was fueled by northeast winds gusting in excess of 60 MPH as well as very dry conditions. The Sayre Fire produced significant property damage. An estimated 487 residences were destroyed with the most significant damage occurring in a mobile home park. Initial property damage estimates are in excess of $3.5 million.

Wildfire in SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SOUTH COAST, CALIFORNIA
From 13-NOV-08 18:30:00 to 17-NOV-08 18:00:00 (PST-8)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

The Tea Fire burned 1,940 acres of land in the foothills of the Santa Ynez mountains near the community of Montecito. The fire ignited when strong north winds, gusting to 72 mph, blew some embers from a bonfire started by several individuals. The winds spread the fire very quickly, consuming most of its acreage in one burn period. The fire destroyed approximately 210 residences and severely damaged 9 others. Westmont College in the foothills of Montecito experienced significant destruction, including the Physics building and numerous staff housing. Initial property damage estimates are not available at this time.

Wildfire in SANTA BARBARA COUNTY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 13-NOV-08 18:30:00 to 17-NOV-08 18:00:00 (PST-8)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

The Tea Fire burned 1,940 acres of land in the foothills of the Santa Ynez mountains near the community of Montecito. The fire ignited when strong north winds, gusting to 72 mph, blew some embers from a bonfire started by several individuals. The winds spread the fire very quickly, consuming most of its acreage in one burn period. The fire destroyed approximately 210 residences and severely damaged 9 others. Westmont College in the foothills of Montecito experienced significant destruction, including the Physics building and numerous staff housing. Initial property damage estimates are not available at this time.