The Tubbs Fire originated in the general area of Highway 128 and Bennett Lane, approximately one mile from Highway 128's intersection with Tubbs Lane in Calistoga, California.
Understanding the Tubbs Fire's Origin
The Tubbs Fire, which ignited on October 8, 2017, rapidly became one of the most destructive wildfires in California's history. Its precise starting point has been identified to help understand its initial spread and impact.
Specific Location Details
The initial spark point for the Tubbs Fire was in a rural part of Northern California, defined by the convergence of key roadways:
- Primary Area: The general vicinity of Highway 128 and Bennett Lane.
- Proximity: This location is situated about one mile away from the intersection of Highway 128 and Tubbs Lane.
- City Reference: The nearest established community to the origin point is Calistoga, a city in Napa County.
This specific origin allowed the fire to spread with a vast scope, affecting significant areas of both Napa and Sonoma counties, including large portions of Santa Rosa.
Geographic Context
To visualize the location:
- Highway 128 is a state highway that runs through California's North Coast region, known for its scenic routes through wine country.
- Bennett Lane is a local road that intersects with Highway 128 in the Calistoga area.
- Tubbs Lane is another local road that connects to Highway 128, providing the specific distance reference for the fire's start.
The fire's rapid expansion from this origin point highlighted the extreme fire conditions present at the time, including strong winds and dry vegetation.