The massive Woolsey fire in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties reminded people Tuesday that it's still far from being under control. A flareup in the rugged mountains northwest of Lake Sherwood sent a massive plume of smoke into the air which was visible as far away as Los Angeles and Santa Barbara.
A fleet of more than a half dozen helicopters aided by a gigantic DC-10 air tanker corraled the flareup in about two hours. No structures were damaged.
The fire has burned some 97,000 acres of land, or an area the size of the city of Denver. It's now 40% contained. Full containment had originally been projected for Thursday, but the target is now Saturday.
Santa Ana wind conditions remain in the forecast until Wednesday night, and we could see weaker but still gusty wind for the rest of the work week.
Two deaths which are still under investigation are believed to be fire related. Three firefighters have been injured.
The official tally of structures burned stands at just over 430, but firefighters say the number will grow as a more comprehensive survey of the burn area is completed.
