Thomas Fire blazes Southern California
Thomas Fire, the third-largest wildfire in California's history, has burned 267,500 acres in two weeks. Nearly 8,500 firefighters are battling the blaze, which has destroyed more than 1,000 structures.
Thomas Fire engulfing southern California
Since December 4, the so-called Thomas Fire has consumed more than 394 square miles (1,020 sq. kilometers) of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties of Southern California. The blaze is named after Thomas Aquinas College, where the fire reportedly first ignited.
Mass evacuation
On Saturday, more evacuation orders were given to residents of Santa Barbara County, including Montecito, a town located at northwest of Los Angeles. Nearly 100,000 people were forced to evacuate as fire trucks were stationed at every home in a bid to save those who were left behind.
Firefighters in full force
About 8,500 firefighters, who have 34 helicopters in support, are fighting the Thomas Fire. The blaze has grown into the fourth largest wildfire in California since 1932.
Burning down homes
Combined with low humidity and strong winds, the Thomas Fire has burned 921 buildings — including at least 700 homes since it began. It also threatens 18,000 buildings, including the wealthy celebrity enclave of Montecito in Santa Barbara County where Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres and other celebrities have residences.
Saving structures
Nick Rizzo, a Napa City Firefighter, pulls a hose up a steep hill to protect structures from the Thomas Fire in Montecito, California on Saturday. The fire has shut down roads, driven thousands from their homes and forced many schools to be closed.
Fire extinguishing
A firefighter attempts to save a home in Montecito on Saturday douses flames around a house. The property around it is scorched after winds picked up and pushed the fire west. The fire has so far killed one firefighter named Cory Iverson, 32, who died on Thursday while battling the flames near the Ventura County community of Fillmore.