Largest California fire 30 percent contained

14/12/2017 11:11

        The fifth-largest wildfire in California history is now 30 percent contained but still threatens coastal communities as gusty Santa Ana winds continue. State fire officials predicted Wednesday night that the so-called Thomas Fire northwest of Los Angeles will continue to grow as it eats up parched brush and hot, dry weather continues. The blaze still threatens Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, Summerland and Montecito — a wealthy area that's home to celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey. Since the blaze erupted last week, it has burned down 921 buildings —including at least 700 homes. It threatens 18,000 buildings and has prompted evacuations of about 100,000 people. The 238,500 acres burned translate to more than 372 square miles (965 square kilometers). The National Weather Service is predicting red flag conditions of extreme fire danger in much of Southern California through Friday.