Thomas Fire Explodes Overnight, Becomes Fifth Largest Wildfire in State History
High fire risk is expected to last into January
By Associated Press and Staff ••
The massive Thomas Fire recently became the fifth largest wildfire in California history as it exploded to 231,700 acres. Beverly White reports for the NBC4 News at 11 on Monday, Dec. 11, 2017.
What to Know
231,700 acres burned
20 percent containment
Cost associated with suppressing the fire estimated at $48 million
This article was last updated at 6:25 p.m. PT Monday, Dec. 11.
Firefighters kept a wall of flames from descending mountains into coastal neighborhoods after a huge and destructive Southern California wildfire exploded in size, becoming the fifth largest in state history.
Click here to see an interactive map of the evacuation zones.
Thousands remained under evacuation orders Monday as the fire churned west through foothill areas of Carpinteria and Montecito, seaside Santa Barbara County towns about 75 miles northwest of Los Angeles. Much of the fire's rapid new growth occurred on the eastern and northern fronts into unoccupied areas of Los Padres National Forest, where the state's fourth largest fire burned a decade ago.
Ventura County Fire Department
Firefighters set backfires during a respite from strong wind gusts and they try to increase containment Dec. 19, 2017 in the Thomas fire zone.
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A Hot Shot crew climbs a hill while cutting a line among homes at the Thomas Fire on December 16, 2017 in Montecito, California. The National Weather Service has issued red flag warnings of dangerous fire weather in Southern California for the duration of the weekend. Prior to the weekend, Los Angeles and Ventura counties had 12 consecutive days of red flag fire warnings, the longest sustained period of fire weather warnings on record. The Thomas Fire is currently the fourth largest California fire since records began in 1932, growing to 400 square miles and destroying more than 1,000 structures since it began on December 4. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
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The Thomas Fire burned hundreds of thousands of acres by Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, and was only 15 percent contained.
David McNew/Getty Images
SUNLAND, CA - DECEMBER 05: A resident hoses a burning palm tree during the Creek Fire on December 5, 2017 in Sunland, California. Strong Santa Ana winds are rapidly pushing multiple wildfires across the region, expanding across tens of thousands of acres and destroying hundreds of homes and structures.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 05: The Creek Fire burns on a hillside in the Shadow Hills neighborhood on December 5, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. Strong Santa Ana winds are rapidly pushing multiple wildfires across the region, expanding across tens of thousands of acres and destroying hundreds of homes and structures.
David McNew/Getty Images
SUNLAND, CA - DECEMBER 05: Strong wind blows embers across the smoldering ruins of a house at the Creek Fire on December 5, 2017 in Sunland, California. Strong Santa Ana winds are rapidly pushing multiple wildfires across the region, expanding across tens of thousands of acres and destroying hundreds of homes and structures.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 05: People view the Creek Fire burn on a hillside in the Shadow Hills neighborhood on December 5, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. Strong Santa Ana winds are rapidly pushing multiple wildfires across the region, expanding across tens of thousands of acres and destroying hundreds of homes and structures.
Sandy Huffaker/AFP/Getty Images
Firefighters battle the Lilac fire in Bonsall, Calif., on Dec. 7, 2017. Local emergency officials warned of powerful winds that will feed wildfires raging in Los Angeles, threatening multi-million dollar mansions with blazes that have already forced more than 200,000 people to flee.
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Volunteers rescue horses at a stable during the Lilac Fire in Bonsall, Calif. on Dec. 7, 2017. Several hundred horses and large animals were evacuated. Some prized racehorses kept at training stables and barns were set loose to run away from the flames.
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Firefighters walk to the fire line at the Lilac Fire in Bonsall, Calif., on Dec. 7, 2017. The fire sparked Thursday morning, prompting mandatory evacuations of homes and schools nearby.
Gina Ferazzi/LA Times via Getty Images
A plane drops fire retardant near a home to stop the wind driven Liberty Fire near Los Alamos Road on Dec. 7, 2017 in Murrieta, California. A mandatory evacuation order is underway as the wildfire, fed by strong Santa Ana winds, burned 300 acres.
Firefighters make sure the flames, that destroyed this house during the Skirball fire, are completely put out. The fire burned next to the 405 Freeway and near the Getty Center. It was reported early morning on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017.
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Clouds of smoke from the Thomas Fire that burned in Ventura County could be seen from miles away on Friday, Dec. 8, 2017. The fire had burned 132,000 acres.
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Clear skies were slowly being over taken by the smoke from the Ventura County Thomas Fire on Friday, Dec. 8, 2017. The fire had burned 132,000 acres and 401 structures were destroyed.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
VENTURA, CA - DECEMBER 07: Firefighters monitor a section of the Thomas Fire along the 101 freeway on December 7, 2017 north of Ventura, California. The firefighters occasionally used a flare device to burn-off brush close to the roadside. Strong Santa Ana winds are rapidly pushing multiple wildfires across the region, expanding across tens of thousands of acres and destroying hundreds of homes and structures.
Ryan Cullom/Ventura County Fire Department via AP
Firefighters work to put out a blaze burning homes early Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017, in Ventura, Calif. Authorities said the blaze, dubbed the Thomas fire, broke out Monday and grew wildly in the hours that followed, consuming vegetation that hasn't burned in decades.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
VENTURA, CA - DECEMBER 05: Firefighters work in front of a home destroyed by the Thomas Fire on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California. Around 45,000 acres have burned in the fire forcing thousands to evacuate and destroying 150 structures.
Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images
VENTURA, CA - DECEMBER 05: A firefighter sprays water at the remains of an apartment complex destroyed by the Thomas Fire on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California. Around 45,000 acres have burned in the fire forcing thousands to evacuate and destroying 150 structures.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
VENTURA, CA - DECEMBER 05: A firefighter works while battling flames from the Thomas Fire in a residential neighborhood on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California. Around 45,000 acres have burned with 150 structures destroyed in the fire, forcing thousands to evacuate.
Ringo Chiu/AFP/Getty Images
Firefighters battle a wildfire as it burns along a hillside near homes in Santa Paula, California, on Dec. 5, 2017.nFast-moving, wind-fueled brush fire exploded to about 10,000 acres in Ventura County Monday night, forcing hundreds of people to flee their homes, officials said.
Ringo Chiu/AFP/Getty Images
A wildfire burns along a hillside near Highway 126 in Santa Paula, California, on Dec. 5, 2017.nFast-moving, wind-fueled brush fire exploded to about 10,000 acres in Ventura County Monday night, forcing hundreds of people to flee their homes, officials said.
A fire began Thursday Oct. 26, 2017 in Cleveland National Forest near Wildomar.
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An out of control wildfire approaches Gundlach Bundschu winery on October 9, 2017 in Sonoma, California.
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A firefighting Coulson C-130 air tanker drops fire retardant near a house during the Oakmont Fire on October 15, 2017 near Santa Rosa, California.
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A firefighter uses a drip torch to set a backfire to protect houses in Adobe Canyon during the Nuns Fire on October 15, 2017 near Santa Rosa, California. At least 40 people were killed while many are still missing, and at least 5,700 buildings have been destroyed since wildfires broke out a week ago. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
Water-dropping helicopters attacked a 30-acre brush fire Tuesday Oct. 17, 2017 on Mount Wilson in the mountains north of Los Angeles.
Jonathan Lloyd, KNBC-TV
A 10-acre brush fire broke out Sunday Oct. 15, 2017 during a sports car race at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
KNBC-TV
A home burns on East Banner Ridge road during an Anaheim Hills brush fire Monday Oct. 9, 2017.
NBC Bay Area
Wildfires, driven by strong winds, broke out Oct. 8, 2017 in Napa and Sonoma counties, forcing evacuations in rural neighborhoods.
AP
Rucker Road is covered in fire retardant as crews from multiple agencies fight a wildfire in the Mission Hills area of Lompoc, Calif., Friday, Sept. 29, 2017. A trio of wildfires raced through the hills of California's Central Coast on Friday, threatening many homes as flames tore through tinder-dry brush, authorities said. (Len Wood/The Santa Maria Times via AP)
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A view of the Canyon fire Tuesday Sept. 26, 2017 in Corona. The fire grew to 2,000 acres after starting a day earlier off the 91 Freeway.
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A firefighter on the scene of the Palmer fire Sept. 5, 2017 in Riverside County.
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Flames light up a hillside as the Pier fire burns Sept. 4, 2017 in Tulare County.
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Smoke along Highway 96, one of the areas affected by the Eclipse Complex Sept. 3, 2017.
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Firefighters in Klamath National Forest, one of the areas affected by the Eclipse Complex fires in Northern California Sept. 3, 2017.
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Smoke from the Helena fire can be seen Sept. 3, 2017 in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.
CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department
The Palmer fire, which scorched at least 3,000 acres and triggered evacuations in the Inland Empire, was sparked by fireworks on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017.
Ryan Astorga via AP
In this Friday, Sept. 1, 2017 photo courtesy of Ryan Astorga shows La Tuna Fire burning, left, and the Hollywood sign seen at sunset from Los Angeles. Several hundred firefighters worked to contain a blaze that chewed through brush-covered mountains, prompting evacuation orders for homes in Los Angeles, Burbank and Glendale.
Six Rivers National Forest
Smoke from Eclipse Complex, several fires burning in Northern California, drifts from a scorched area near Six Rivers National Forest Aug. 29, 2017.
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Smoke from the Pier Fire in Northern California wafts over the region Aug. 29, 2017.
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A wildfire Tuesday Aug. 28, 2017 closed Highway 41 near Yosemite National Park.
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A wildfire burns near Lake Berryessa in Napa County. (Aug. 11, 2017)
Kenny Holmes
Firefighters battled a wildfire near the University of California, Riverside that came dangerously close to homes, prompting an evacuation order, on Sunday, Aug. 13, 2017.
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Firefighters battled a wildfire near the University of California, Riverside that came dangerously close to homes, prompting an evacuation order, on Sunday, Aug. 13, 2017.
UGC
A brush fire that erupted Monday July 31, 2017 on the west end of Lake Elsinore scorched more than 200 acres and prompted evacuations and road closures.
Cailin McDonald
A brush fire broke out in the hills above Burbank Wednesday July 26, 2017.
AP
A scorched car rests next to a residence leveled by the Detwiler fire near Mariposa on Wednesday, July 19, 2017. A surging wildfire raced through California mountains and foothills west of Yosemite National Park, forcing thousands to flee tiny, Gold Rush-era towns. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)
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Flames from a backfire burn as CAL FIRE crews battle the wildfires near Mariposa on Tuesday, July 18, 2017. As of July 19, the fire in the rugged mountains outside Yosemite National Park burned eight buildings and fore thousands from their homes.
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Flames from the Wall fire consume a vintage Chevrolet Super Sport near Oroville, Calif., on Saturday, June 8, 2017. Evening winds drove the fire through several neighborhoods leveling homes in its path. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)
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The Whittier Fire burns through the night on July 9, 2017 near Santa Barbara, California. The Whittier Fire and the Alamo Fire together have blackened more than 30,000 acres of chaparral-covered hills in Ventura County. Statewide, about 5,000 firefighters are fighting 14 large wildfires. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
Photo by David McNew/Getty Images
Structures at Rancho Alegre Boy Scouts of America outdoor school are left in ruins after the Whittier Fire swept through on July 9, 2017 near Santa Barbara, California.
AP
This Saturday, July 8, 2017, photo released by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department shows the full moon rising over flames on a hilltop near Highway 166 east of Santa Maria, Calif., in what is known as the Alamo Fire in Santa Barbara County, Calif. Wildfires barreled across the baking landscape of the western U.S. and Canada, destroying a smattering of homes, forcing thousands to flee and temporarily trapping children and counselors at a California campground. Southern California crews hope slightly cooler temperatures and diminishing winds will help in the battle Sunday. (Mike Eliason/Santa Barbara County Fire Department via AP)
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Flames from a wildfire consume a residence near Oroville, Calif., on Sunday, July 9, 2017. Evening winds drove the fire through several neighborhoods leveling homes in its path. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)
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Cal Fire firefighter Jake Hainey battles a wildfire near Oroville, Calif., on Saturday, July 8, 2017. The fire was one of more than a dozen burning in the state as firefighters worked in scorching temperatures to control unruly flames. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)
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A brush fire broke out in Malibu on Thursday, June 28, 2017.
Tom McDonald
Two helicopters deliver back-to-back water drops on a fire in Burbank Wednesday June 28, 2017.
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A brush fire spread over open terrain near the far northwestern reaches of Camp Pendleton on Wednesday, June 28, 2017, scorching hundreds of acres and threatening some homes and an animal shelter in San Clemente.
Elisabeth Martin
A wildfire burned near near Highland and San Bernardino Tuesday, June 28, 2017, and prompted evacuations and the closure of Highway 330.
Bruce Williams
A brush fire along Highway 79 near Beaumont scorched 1,200 acres and forced a closure of the highway Monday June 26, 2017.
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The Placerita Fire burned near the 14 Freeway in Santa Clarita on Sunday, June 25, 2017.
The Holcomb fire burned Monday June 19, 2017 northeast of Big Bear in the San Bernardino County mountains.
Jeffrey Zimmerman
Firefighters battled a fire near Castaic Lake on Saturday, June 17, 2017.
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Firefighters, lower right, work to contain a wildfire that broke out in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles, Sunday, May 28, 2017. A dark plume of smoke was visible for miles as the fire consumed moderate to thick brush near Mandeville Canyon Road, a dead end road that snakes up a deep canyon lined by expensive view homes. A few residents voluntarily left but no homes were damaged. (AP Photo/Brian Melley)
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Brush burned Tuesday May 23, 2017 in Westlake Village. Water drops and firefighters on the hillside prevented the fire from threatening homes.
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Smoke billows from the Mission Trails fire that sparked May 22, 2017 in the brush in Santee.
CAL FIRE SLO/Twitter
An aerial view of the area burned during the Gate Fire near San Diego May 20, 2017.
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Red firefighting retardant scattered on a Riverside County hillside during the fight against the Opera Fire, which broke out Sunday April 30, 2017.
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A swath of scorched brush left behind by the Tower Fire Sunday April 30, 2017 in San Bernardino County.
Flames and smoke can be seen from the Jameson Fire, which began Sunday April 30, 2017 in Riverside County.
The blaze had already destroyed 868 buildings and damaged another 187 in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, as well as unincorporated Ventura County, officials said. It's just 20 percent contained after charring 231,700 acres of dry brush and timber.
Officials warned that the number of buildings destroyed or damaged could rise, as could the current cost associated wit the fire, which as of Monday night stood at a little over $48 million.
Forecasters predicted that dry winds that fanned several fires across the region for a week would begin to lose their power Monday. But the possibility of "unpredictable" gusts would keep firefighters on edge for days, Santa Barbara County Fire spokesman Mike Eliason said.
Santa Ana winds have long contributed to some of the region's most disastrous wildfires. They blow from the inland toward the Pacific Ocean, speeding up as they squeeze through mountain passes and canyons.
The Thomas Fire continued into Carpinteria, forcing mandatory evacuations. Jane Yamamoto reports for the NBC4 News at 11 on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017.
Containment increased on other major blazes in Los Angeles, Riverside and San Diego counties. Resources from those fires were diverted to the Santa Barbara foothills to combat the stubborn and enormous fire that started Dec. 4.
Fires are not typical in Southern California this time of year but can break out when dry vegetation and too little rain combine with the Santa Ana winds. Though the state emerged this spring from a yearslong drought, hardly any measurable rain has fallen in the region over the past six months.
"This is the new normal," Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown warned Saturday after surveying damage from the deadly Ventura fire. Brown and experts said climate change is making wildfires a year-round threat.
High fire risk is expected to last into January.
Even during this difficult time, evacuees in Ventura are thinking of their neighbors. Christine Kim reports for the NBC4 News at 11 on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017.
The air thick with acrid smoke, even residents of areas not under evacuation orders took the opportunity to leave, fearing another shutdown of U.S. 101, a key coastal highway that was closed intermittently last week. Officials handed out masks to residents who stayed behind in Montecito, the wealthy hillside enclave that's home to celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Jeff Bridges and Rob Lowe.
"Our house is under threat of being burned," Ellen DeGeneres tweeted at midday Sunday. "We just had to evacuate our pets. I'm praying for everyone in our community and thankful to all the incredible firefighters."
Ojai experienced hazardous levels of smoke at times, and officials warned of unhealthy air for large swaths of the region. The South Coast Air Quality Management District urged residents to stay indoors if possible and avoid vigorous outdoor activities.
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A strong wind blows embers from smoldering trees at the Thomas Fire on December 16, 2017 in Montecito, California.
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A smoke-filled sky filter orange light around surfers as the Thomas Fire continues to grow and threaten communities from Carpinteria to Santa Barbara on December 12, 2017 in Carpinteria, California. The Thomas Fire has spread across 365 miles so far and destroyed about 800 structures since it began on December 5 in Ojai, California. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
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Firefighters watch flames as the Thomas Fire approaches homes on December 12, 2017 in Montecito, California. The Thomas Fire has spread across 365 miles so far and destroyed about 800 structures since it began on December 5 in Ojai, California. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
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The Thomas Fire, feeding on thick chaparral brush which hasnÕt burned in generations, approaches homes on December 12, 2017 in Montecito, California. The Thomas Fire has spread across 365 miles so far and destroyed about 800 structures since it began on December 5 in Ojai, California. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
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Christmas decorations illuminate a house as the growing Thomas Fire advances toward Santa Barbara County seaside communities on December 10, 2017 in Carpinteria, California.
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CARPINTERIA, CA - DECEMBER 10: A house burns near Casitas Pass Road as the Thomas Fire continues to grow on December 10, 2017 near Carpinteria, California. The Thomas Fire has grown to 173,000 acres and destroyed at least 754 structures so far. Strong Santa Ana winds have been feeding major wildfires all week, destroying houses and forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
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OJAI, CA - DECEMBER 08: The Thomas fire burns in the Los Padres National Forest on December 8, 2017 near Ojai, California. The Thomas fire has burned over 132,000 acres and has destroyed 439 structures. The fire is 10 percent contained. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
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FILLMORE, CA - DECEMBER 07: A firefighting helicopter is dwarfed by smoke and flames during Thomas Fire on December 7, 2017 near Fillmore, California. Strong Santa Ana winds are pushing multiple wildfires across the region, expanding across tens of thousands of acres and destroying hundreds of homes and structures. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
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A helicopter drops water while trying to keep a wildfire from jumping Santa Ana Road near Ventura, Calif., on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)
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A helicopter carries water while trying to keep a wildfire from jumping Santa Ana Rd. near Ventura, Calif., on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)
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OJAI, CA - DECEMBER 09: A fire whirl, also called a fire devil, forms as firefighters use drip torches to set a backfire at night in an effort to make progress against the Thomas Fire before the winds return with the daylight near Lake Casitas on December 9, 2017 near Ojai, California. Strong Santa Ana winds have been feeding major wildfires all week, destroying hundreds of houses and forcing tens of thousands of people to stay away from their homes. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
AP
Firefighters light backfire while trying to keep a wildfire from jumping Santa Ana Road near Ventura, Calif., on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)
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Flames consume a home as a wildfire burns in Ojai, Calif., on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)
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A motorists on Highway 101 watches flames from the Thomas fire leap above the roadway north of Ventura, Calif., on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017. As many as five fires have closed highways, schools and museums, shut down production of TV series and cast a hazardous haze over the region. About 200,000 people were under evacuation orders. No deaths and only a few injuries were reported. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)
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Clouds of smoke from the Thomas Fire can be seen in the miles away on Friday, Dec. 8, 2017. The fire had burned 132,000 acres.
Toni Guinyard
Clear skies are slowly being over taken by the smoke from the Ventura County Thomas Fire on Friday, Dec. 8, 2017. The fire had burned 132,000 acres and 401 structures were destroyed.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
VENTURA, CA - DECEMBER 07: Firefighters monitor a section of the Thomas Fire along the 101 freeway on December 7, 2017 north of Ventura, California. The firefighters occasionally used a flare device to burn-off brush close to the roadside. Strong Santa Ana winds are rapidly pushing multiple wildfires across the region, expanding across tens of thousands of acres and destroying hundreds of homes and structures.
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The Los Angeles County Fire Department sent two strike teams and a water-dropping helicopter to Ventura County on Monday night to help fight a wind-driven brush fire that has burned at least 10,000 acres and is threatening structures north of Santa Paula.
Zach Bloom
The scene in downtown Ventura Wednesday morning is that of a movie scene. The smoke is still thick; the ash are still falling like snow. Businesses remain closed, and the hills smolder in the morning light. Father Juniper Serra’s statue looks over California & Main, a guardian for the city. People are regaining power, and roads are starting to clear. Many residents have already returned while some stay far away in fear of these hot spots flaring up again.
Nathanie
The Thomas Fire is visible off in the distance while hiking in Malibu at night.
Noah Sullivan
Thomas fire spreads near Nordhoff high school.
Ernesto Elizarraraz
Santa Paula Fire Coming in to Santa Paula from South Mountain Road.
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Eerie Santa Paula Fire
Lee Cogburn
Thomas Fire from Thousand Oaks, 17 miles away, shot with time lapse to capture the fire. Location of camera was at commuter parking at Hwy 101 / Hwy 23.
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VENTURA, CA - DECEMBER 05: A firefighter works while battling flames from the Thomas Fire in a residential neighborhood on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California. Around 45,000 acres have burned with 150 structures destroyed in the fire, forcing thousands to evacuate.
Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images
VENTURA, CA - DECEMBER 05: A firefighter sprays water at the remains of an apartment complex destroyed by the Thomas Fire on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California. Around 45,000 acres have burned in the fire forcing thousands to evacuate and destroying 150 structures.
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VENTURA, CA - DECEMBER 05: Firefighters work in front of a home destroyed by the Thomas Fire on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California. Around 45,000 acres have burned in the fire forcing thousands to evacuate and destroying 150 structures.
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Despite the size and number of wildfires burning in the region, there has only been one confirmed death: The death of a 70-year-old woman, who crashed her car on an evacuation route, is attributed to the fire in Santa Paula, a small city where the Thomas Fire began.
Most of last week's fires were in places that burned in the past, including one in the ritzy Los Angeles neighborhood of Bel-Air that burned six homes and another in the city's rugged foothills above the community of Sylmar and in Santa Paula.
Mandatory evacuations are in effect for the following areas: City of Ventura North of Foothill Road from Day Road west to Kimball Road
Entire Community of Casitas Springs
Evacuate to Ventura County Fairgrounds - 10 West Harbor Blvd., Ventura.
Lake Casitas North of Hwy 150 heading to Hwy 33 and south of Los Padres National Forest
City of Ojai and East Ojai Valley SR 150 East of Dennison Park to Koenigstein Road, south of Reeves Road
Ojai Unincorporated areas west of Rice Road Los Encinos Road to Burnham Road, South of SR 150
Upper Ojai Valley Hwy 150 east of Reeves Road, and unincorporated areas west of Rice Road Upper Ojai Valley (West) Hwy 33 north of Fairview Drive- Matilija Canyon
Unincorporated Ventura County Area Residents and day visitors of Rose Valley
Ventura County North Coast Area Boundary of Hwy 33 on the north to Casitas Vista Road, northwest to Hwy 150, Hwy 150 (Casitas Pass Road) west to US 101 and south on US 101 (including Pacific Coast Highway) to Emma Wood State Beach.
Unincorporated area of Fillmore The area of Hall Road to the west, Sespe Creek to the east, Fillmore City limits to the south, and Los Padres National Forest boundary to the north
Voluntary Evacuations Ojai Casitas Pass Road east to Highway 33, Spring Street to Loma Drive. (Includes Rice Road east to Loma Drive. Baldwin Road north to Besant Road)
Unincorporated area of Fillmore Sespe Creek to the west, Burson Ranch to the east, Fillmore City limits to the south, and Los Padres National Forest boundary to the north.
Animal Evacuations Please call 866-EVRT911 (866-387-8911) for requests for assistance in animal evacuations. Large animal evacuations at the Ventura County Fairgrounds at 10 W Harbor Blvd, Ventura.
Evacuation Shelters City of Ventura Ventura County Fairgrounds (Red Cross - Includes an Animal Shelter for all types of animals) – 10 W Harbor Blvd., Ventura.
City of Oxnard Oxnard College Gymnasium - 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard.
UCSB Recreational Center (Includes an Animal Shelter for small animals - preferably in crates) 516 Ocean Road, Santa Barbara.
City of Ojai The Red Cross has transitioned residents of the Nordhoff High School shelter in Ojai (1401 Maricopa Hwy, Ojai) to alternative shelters on Saturday, 12/9.
City of Santa Paula The Red Cross Shelter is no longer set up in Santa Paula. A Community Distribution Center will open at the Santa Paula Community Center Tuesday Dec. 12 through Saturday Dec. 16 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. to serve Santa Paula Residents impacted by the Thomas Fire. The City of Santa Paula partnered with the Salvation Army to provide food, water and other items to local residents in need of assistance.
Santa Paula Community Center, 530 W Main St. Santa Paula.
