Wind Threat Remains as Crews Gain on Huge California Wildfire

After achieving increased containment on one of the biggest wildfires in California history, officials warned that communities remain at risk and the threat could increase as unpredictable winds whip up again.

Red Flag warnings for fire danger due to Santa Ana winds and a critical lack of moisture were extended, with a possible increase in gusts into the end of the week.

Evacuations were expected to continue Wednesday for the seaside enclaves of Montecito, Summerland and Carpinteria and the inland agricultural town of Fillmore.

Officials announced Tuesday night that crews had carved containment lines around one-quarter of the blaze straddling Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.

The Thomas fire has burned over 900 structures, at least 700 of them homes, since it broke out Dec. 4. It stretches across nearly 370 square miles of Southern California, making it the fifth largest in state history.

Related:

• California Governor Says Firefighting at Christmas May Become Normal
• How A Dry Spell Allowed Winds to Lash California With Flames
• Los Angeles Wildfires Close Roads, Threaten Crops, Force Evacuations
• Southern California Fires Prompt Evacuations of Thousands from Homes

Topics California Catastrophe Natural Disasters Wildfire