Thomas Fire to become largest wildfire in California history as dry weather persists
Gusty winds will ease, but dry weather will continue to challenge firefighting efforts in Southern California through this weekend.
The Thomas Fire is likely to become California's largest wildfire on record, when it tops 273,246 acres burned, from the Cedar Fire in October 2003. As of Friday morning, Dec. 20, the Thomas Fire has charred 272,800 acres.
Another Santa Ana wind event occurred into Friday, with canyons and passes from Santa Barbara through San Diego.
“The uptick in the wind hampered containment efforts of the devastating Thomas Fire and reversed firefighter's progress earlier this week,” according to AccuWeather Meteorologist Kyle Elliott.
The Thomas Fire has caused two fatalities. Over 6,800 personnel are working around the clock to increase the fire's containment level, which is currently 60 percent.
No rain is forecast through the end of 2017.
Due to dry air and dry brush, the threat of new fires will continue well after the winds die down on Friday. Outdoor flames of any kind, tossing cigarette butts and parking cars over dry brush should be avoided.
Another round of strong winds may develop later next week if a batch of cold air builds southward over the Intermountain West.
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