The Thomas Fire, which has been burning since Monday, Dec. 4, has officially become the third-largest wildfire in the state’s history. It has caused $103.9 million in damages so far. Now fueled by high winds, it has burned 259,000 acres of land to date – 13,000 acres behind the state’s largest fire on record, according to a CNN report.
On late Saturday, Dec. 16 mandatory evacuations took place in the communities of Montecito, Summerland, part of Santa Barbara and others. Restaurants and stores in the Santa Barbara area have been closed for more than a week, effectively making it a “ghost town,” according to ABC.
More strong winds and dry conditions are forecasted for Sunday, which could potentially lead to new fires, according to CNN meteorologist Ivan Cabrera. The National Weather Service also issued a red flag warning because of hot and dry air and strong winds, according to ABC.
Despite this, firefighters have been able to contain about 40% of the fire 25 miles southeast of Montecito as of Saturday. Additionally, mandatory evacuations for Ventura were lifted.
So far, two people have been confirmed dead as a result of the fire. On Thursday, December 14, the fires claimed the life of firefighter Cory Iverson, aged 32. He was the first firefighter to die as a result of the recent fires. according to CNN.
Iverson had worked with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection since 2009. He is survived by his pregnant wife and two-year-old daughter, according to an NBC News report. “His bravery and years [of] committed service to the people of California will never be forgotten,” said California Governor Jerry Brown in a statement.
The other dead was identified as Virginia Pesola, 70. Her body was discovered in Ventura County, at the site of a car crash which occurred during evacuation, according to NBC.
