Firefighters say they’ve had another good day in efforts to get a handle on the massive Thomas fire, with containment up to 55%. There are no new threats to communities in the region from the 272,000 acre blaze.
Some evacuation orders and warnings were reduced in both counties yesterday. The blaze is pushing away from populated areas, and into the Los Padres National Forest. But, an estimated 16,000 people are still facing mandatory evacuations in Santa Barbara County.
Firefighters are 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. 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.