The massive Thomas Fire burning in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties has already scorched 271,750 acres, making it California's third largest wildfire of all time. Cal Fire officials say the blaze has been 50 percent contained as of late Monday night.
The fire added another 1,750 acres to the total area burned over the last twenty-four hours. Firefighters are hoping for another day with calmer winds and better conditions. The National Weather Service says winds are forecast to pick back up by the end of the week and could cause the fire to grow even larger. Officials believe the fire is already on track to become the largest wildfire in California history.
The Thomas Fire has already destroyed over 1,000 structures and claimed the life of one firefighter. Cal Fire officials say they expect to be battling the blaze into January.
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