Flower Farms in Southern California update

While the wildfires in Southern California approached some of the nation's largest flower farms and hampered the ability for some employees to work, the Golden State's farms are open and operating. "We haven't received any reports of production loss or farms lost due to the fires in Southern California," explained California Cut Flower Commission CEO & Ambassador Kasey Cronquist. "We're in close contact with our farms in Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Diego Counties and so far our farms are checking in as safe and continuing to operate." Flames could be seen on the hillsides from the nurseries in Carpinteria Valley on Monday morning. Photo by Ivan Van Wingerden of Everbloom, Inc. The Thomas Fire near Carpinteria, known as the nation's flower basket, appeared to get dangerously close to some farms and nurseries. However, farmers in Carpinteria Valley confirmed that the fires appeared closer than they actually were. Interactive Map Highlights the proximity of the fire  to the flower farms in Carpinteria Valley. "Everybody is still in business, there have been no losses to farms as far as I know," reports David Van Wingerden, owner of Westland Produce Inc. "It's business as usual for Carpinteria-area flower farms." (Read more here.)

Christina Burton-Fox AIFD floral artist & instructor