Firefighters say they are continuing to make progress in efforts to contain the massive 271,000 acre Thomas brush fire in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.
Containment is at 50%. Firefighters are calling it another good day in efforts to get a handle of the Thomas fire. There are no new threats to communities in the region.
Firefighters have been mopping up hot spots in the mountains above Santa Barbara, and finished a containment line which reduces the fire potential for the City of Fillmore.
Some evacuation orders and warnings were reduced in both counties. The blaze is pushing away from populated areas, and into the Los Padres National Forest.
But looking ahead, firefighters are concerned about potential sundowner winds returning to the Santa Barbara area Wednesday night, and Santa Ana winds in Ventura County Thursday night. Mother Nature will not be helping on the rain front. The latest models show a high pressure ridge could stay in place through the end of the year, meaning no rainfall for the Central or South Coasts.