http://www.timesunion.com/news/us/article/Army-of-firefighters-takes-on-still-growing-12435328.php
Flames threaten coastal communities as firefighters mourn
Updated 3:42 pm, Sunday, December 17, 2017
less
Dramatic NASA photos show the Southern California wildfires from space during the week of Dec. 3, 2017.
Dramatic NASA photos show the Southern California wildfires from space during the week of Dec. 3, 2017.
A wildfire threatens homes as it burns along the 101 Freeway Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017, in Ventura, Calif. Raked by ferocious Santa Ana winds, explosive wildfires northwest of Los Angeles and in the city's foothills burned a psychiatric hospital and scores of homes and other structures Tuesday and forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of people.
lessA wildfire threatens homes as it burns along the 101 Freeway Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017, in Ventura, Calif. Raked by ferocious Santa Ana winds, explosive wildfires northwest of Los Angeles and in the city's
... moreHeavy smoke covers the seaside enclave of Mondos Beach beside the 101 highway as flames reach the coast during the Thomas wildfire near Ventura, California on December 6, 2017. California motorists commuted past a blazing inferno Wednesday as wind-whipped wildfires raged across the Los Angeles region, with flames triggering the closure of a major freeway and mandatory evacuations in an area dotted with mansions.
lessHeavy smoke covers the seaside enclave of Mondos Beach beside the 101 highway as flames reach the coast during the Thomas wildfire near Ventura, California on December 6, 2017. California motorists commuted
... moreA firefighter carries a water hose as a large painting saved from a wildfire is propped against an SUV in the Bel Air district of Los Angeles, Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017. A dangerous new wildfire erupted in the Bel Air area of Los Angeles early Wednesday as firefighters battled three other destructive blazes across Southern California.
lessA firefighter carries a water hose as a large painting saved from a wildfire is propped against an SUV in the Bel Air district of Los Angeles, Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017. A dangerous new wildfire erupted in the
... moreVehicles pass by a wall of flames as they drive on the 101 highway during the Thomas wildfire near Ventura, California on December 6, 2017. California motorists commuted past a blazing inferno Wednesday as wind-whipped wildfires raged across the Los Angeles region, with flames triggering the closure of a major freeway and mandatory evacuations in an area dotted with mansions.
lessVehicles pass by a wall of flames as they drive on the 101 highway during the Thomas wildfire near Ventura, California on December 6, 2017. California motorists commuted past a blazing inferno Wednesday as
... moreA view of the Skirball Fire from southbound 405. The fire is tearing through Bel-Air and forcing mandatory evacuations in the area.
A view of the Skirball Fire from southbound 405. The fire is tearing through Bel-Air and forcing mandatory evacuations in the area.
A member of a fire team hand crew monitors embers to prevent fire from jumping to the west side of the 405 freeway, at the Skirball Fire near the Bel Aire area of Los Angeles, California, December 6, 2017.
A member of a fire team hand crew monitors embers to prevent fire from jumping to the west side of the 405 freeway, at the Skirball Fire near the Bel Aire area of Los Angeles, California, December 6, 2017.
A fire truck is parked outside a mansion as smoke from a wildfire rises behind the property Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017, in the Bel-Air neighborhood of Los Angeles. A dangerous new wildfire erupted in the tony Bel Air area of Los Angeles early Wednesday as firefighters battled three other destructive blazes across Southern California.
lessA fire truck is parked outside a mansion as smoke from a wildfire rises behind the property Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017, in the Bel-Air neighborhood of Los Angeles. A dangerous new wildfire erupted in the tony Bel
... moreThe sun rises through thick smoke beyond an infinity pool at a home on Casiano Road that was not damaged in a wildfire in the Bel Air district of Los Angeles Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017.
The sun rises through thick smoke beyond an infinity pool at a home on Casiano Road that was not damaged in a wildfire in the Bel Air district of Los Angeles Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017.
Carolyn Potter tries to save her house but trips as she gather dirt to put out the Thomas Fire along on Nye Road in Casita Springs in Ventura County Tuesday.
Carolyn Potter tries to save her house but trips as she gather dirt to put out the Thomas Fire along on Nye Road in Casita Springs in Ventura County Tuesday.
Smoke from the Skirball Fire rises above the 405 freeway near the Bel Aire area of Los Angeles, California, December 6, 2017.
Smoke from the Skirball Fire rises above the 405 freeway near the Bel Aire area of Los Angeles, California, December 6, 2017.
Los Angeles County firefighters battle a wildfire in the Lake View Terrace area of Los Angeles, Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017.
Los Angeles County firefighters battle a wildfire in the Lake View Terrace area of Los Angeles, Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017.
A Los Angeles County firefighter puts water a burning house in a wildfire in the Lake View Terrace area of Los Angeles Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017. Ferocious winds in Southern California have whipped up explosive wildfires, burning a psychiatric hospital and scores of other structures. Tens of thousands of people have been ordered evacuated.
lessA Los Angeles County firefighter puts water a burning house in a wildfire in the Lake View Terrace area of Los Angeles Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017. Ferocious winds in Southern California have whipped up explosive
... moreA wildfire consumes a home Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017, in Ventura, Calif. Raked by ferocious Santa Ana winds, explosive wildfires northwest of Los Angeles and in the city's foothills burned a psychiatric hospital and scores of homes Tuesday and forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of people.
lessA wildfire consumes a home Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017, in Ventura, Calif. Raked by ferocious Santa Ana winds, explosive wildfires northwest of Los Angeles and in the city's foothills burned a psychiatric hospital
... moreA wildfire burns along the 101 Freeway Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017, in Ventura, Calif.
A wildfire burns along the 101 Freeway Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017, in Ventura, Calif.
A firefighter pulls a water hose as a wildfires continues to burn Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017, in Santa Paula, Calif. Raked by ferocious Santa Ana winds, explosive wildfires northwest of Los Angeles and in the city's foothills burned a psychiatric hospital and scores of homes and other structures Tuesday and forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of people.
lessA firefighter pulls a water hose as a wildfires continues to burn Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017, in Santa Paula, Calif. Raked by ferocious Santa Ana winds, explosive wildfires northwest of Los Angeles and in the city's
... moreA Los Angeles County firefighter prepares to battle a hot spot on the "Creek Fire" in the Lake View Terrace area of Los Angeles, Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017.
A Los Angeles County firefighter prepares to battle a hot spot on the "Creek Fire" in the Lake View Terrace area of Los Angeles, Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017.
Paul and Erica Mattesich embrace before sifting through rubble at their Ventura, Calif., home on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017. The family lost their house when the Thomas fire tore through their neighborhood on Colina Vista.
lessPaul and Erica Mattesich embrace before sifting through rubble at their Ventura, Calif., home on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017. The family lost their house when the Thomas fire tore through their neighborhood on
... moreRubble and burned vehicles line properties scorched by the Thomas fire on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017, in Ventura, Calif.
Rubble and burned vehicles line properties scorched by the Thomas fire on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017, in Ventura, Calif.
Dozens of homes are destroyed in a neighborhood in view of the Thomas fire from helicopter on December 5, 2017 in Ventura County, California.
Dozens of homes are destroyed in a neighborhood in view of the Thomas fire from helicopter on December 5, 2017 in Ventura County, California.
Chino Valley Firefighters are unable to save several multi-million dollar homes along Cobblestone Drive near Foothill Road and North Victoria Avenue Tuesday midday after a fast-moving, wind-fueled wildfire swept into Ventura.
lessChino Valley Firefighters are unable to save several multi-million dollar homes along Cobblestone Drive near Foothill Road and North Victoria Avenue Tuesday midday after a fast-moving, wind-fueled wildfire
... moreVentura County Firefighter Aaron Cohen catches his breath after fighting to save multi-million dollar homes along Cobblestone Drive near Foothill Road and North Victoria Avenue Tuesday.
Ventura County Firefighter Aaron Cohen catches his breath after fighting to save multi-million dollar homes along Cobblestone Drive near Foothill Road and North Victoria Avenue Tuesday.
A firefighter battles the Thomas Fire along Highway 33 in Casita Springs in Ventura County Tuesday.
A firefighter battles the Thomas Fire along Highway 33 in Casita Springs in Ventura County Tuesday.
The Thomas Fire crests a mountain near Lake Casitas on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California, United States. The fire has consumed over 50,000 acres according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire protection.
lessThe Thomas Fire crests a mountain near Lake Casitas on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California, United States. The fire has consumed over 50,000 acres according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire
... moreA resident holds a leaking hose on his burning property during the Creek Fire on December 5, 2017 in Sunland, California. Strong Santa Ana winds are rapidly pushing multiple wildfires across the region, expanding across tens of thousands of acres and destroying hundreds of homes and structures.
lessA resident holds a leaking hose on his burning property during the Creek Fire on December 5, 2017 in Sunland, California. Strong Santa Ana winds are rapidly pushing multiple wildfires across the region,
... moreA firefighter battles the Thomas Fire along Highway 33 in Casita Springs in Ventura County Tuesday.
A firefighter battles the Thomas Fire along Highway 33 in Casita Springs in Ventura County Tuesday.
A firefighter hoses down flareups at the two story Hawaiian Village Apartment complex that burnt to the ground during the Thomas wildfire in Ventura, California on December 5, 2017. Firefighters battled a wind-whipped brush fire in southern California that has left at least one person dead, destroyed more than 150 homes and businesses and forced tens of thousands to flee.
lessA firefighter hoses down flareups at the two story Hawaiian Village Apartment complex that burnt to the ground during the Thomas wildfire in Ventura, California on December 5, 2017. Firefighters battled a
... moreA firefighter battles the Thomas Fire along Highway 33 in Casita Springs in Ventura County Tuesday.
A firefighter battles the Thomas Fire along Highway 33 in Casita Springs in Ventura County Tuesday.
A house engulfed in flames as the Creek Fire burns in Los Angeles, California on December 5, 2017. The raging fire fueled by strong Santa Ana winds has burned more than 11,000 acres and caused the evacuation of 115,000 residents.
lessA house engulfed in flames as the Creek Fire burns in Los Angeles, California on December 5, 2017. The raging fire fueled by strong Santa Ana winds has burned more than 11,000 acres and caused the evacuation of
... moreThe Thomas Fire burns along a hillside near Santa Paula, California, on December 5, 2017. More than a thousand firefighters were struggling to contain a wind-whipped brush fire in southern California on December 5 that has left at least one person dead, sent thousands fleeing, and was choking the area with thick black smoke.
lessThe Thomas Fire burns along a hillside near Santa Paula, California, on December 5, 2017. More than a thousand firefighters were struggling to contain a wind-whipped brush fire in southern California on
... moreThe Creek Fire burns in Los Angeles, California on December 5, 2017. The raging fire fueled by strong Santa Ana winds has burned more than 11,000 acres and caused the evacuation of 115,000 residents.
The Creek Fire burns in Los Angeles, California on December 5, 2017. The raging fire fueled by strong Santa Ana winds has burned more than 11,000 acres and caused the evacuation of 115,000 residents.
Firefighters gather in front of a residential area as a wildfire burns along the 101 Freeway Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017, in Ventura, Calif.
Firefighters gather in front of a residential area as a wildfire burns along the 101 Freeway Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017, in Ventura, Calif.
Michael and Vonea McQuillam stand beside their house that was burnt to the ground during the Thomas wildfire in Ventura, California on December 5, 2017. Firefighters battled a wind-whipped brush fire in southern California that has left at least one person dead, destroyed more than 150 homes and businesses and forced tens of thousands to flee.
lessMichael and Vonea McQuillam stand beside their house that was burnt to the ground during the Thomas wildfire in Ventura, California on December 5, 2017. Firefighters battled a wind-whipped brush fire in
... moreFirefighters try to knock down a burning house during the Thomas wildfire in Ventura, California on December 5, 2017. Firefighters battled a wind-whipped brush fire in southern California that has left at least one person dead, destroyed more than 150 homes and businesses and forced tens of thousands to flee.
lessFirefighters try to knock down a burning house during the Thomas wildfire in Ventura, California on December 5, 2017. Firefighters battled a wind-whipped brush fire in southern California that has left at least
... moreResidents evacuate a horse along Nye Road as the Thomas fire approaches in Casita Springs in on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California.
Residents evacuate a horse along Nye Road as the Thomas fire approaches in Casita Springs in on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California.
Flames encroach on structures in the hills above Sylmar fire from helicopter in Los Angeles County, Calif., on Dec. 5, 2017.
Flames encroach on structures in the hills above Sylmar fire from helicopter in Los Angeles County, Calif., on Dec. 5, 2017.
A burnt out car and house is seen during the Thomas wildfire in Ventura, California on December 5, 2017. Firefighters battled a wind-whipped brush fire in southern California that has left at least one person dead, destroyed more than 150 homes and businesses and forced tens of thousands to flee.
lessA burnt out car and house is seen during the Thomas wildfire in Ventura, California on December 5, 2017. Firefighters battled a wind-whipped brush fire in southern California that has left at least one person
... moreA house burns during the Thomas wildfire in Ventura, California on December 5, 2017. Firefighters battled a wind-whipped brush fire in southern California that has left at least one person dead, destroyed more than 150 homes and businesses and forced tens of thousands to flee.
lessA house burns during the Thomas wildfire in Ventura, California on December 5, 2017. Firefighters battled a wind-whipped brush fire in southern California that has left at least one person dead, destroyed more
... moreHorses are evacuated along Osborne street at the Creek fire Tuesday morning.
Horses are evacuated along Osborne street at the Creek fire Tuesday morning.
Firefighters try to prevent a portion of The Creek Fire from jumping the 210 freeway in Sylmar on December 5, 2017.
Firefighters try to prevent a portion of The Creek Fire from jumping the 210 freeway in Sylmar on December 5, 2017.
Jessica Farrell evacuates her mother's dog Hazel as the Creek Fire threatened homes at the end of Esko Avenue in Sylmar on December 5, 2017.
Jessica Farrell evacuates her mother's dog Hazel as the Creek Fire threatened homes at the end of Esko Avenue in Sylmar on December 5, 2017.
Remnants of a burned down a home as a brush fire continues to threaten other homes on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California.
Remnants of a burned down a home as a brush fire continues to threaten other homes on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California.
A firefighter hoses down smoldering debris in Ventura, Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017. Ferocious Santa Ana winds raking Southern California whipped explosive wildfires Tuesday, prompting evacuation orders for thousands of homes.
lessA firefighter hoses down smoldering debris in Ventura, Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017. Ferocious Santa Ana winds raking Southern California whipped explosive wildfires Tuesday, prompting evacuation orders for
... moreGreg Smith stands amid the ruins of his home after the Thomas fire swept through Ventura, Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017.
Greg Smith stands amid the ruins of his home after the Thomas fire swept through Ventura, Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017.
A gust of wind blows off flames burning near a home as a wildfire burns in Ventura, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017. Ferocious winds in Southern California have whipped up explosive wildfires, burning a psychiatric hospital and scores of other structures.
lessA gust of wind blows off flames burning near a home as a wildfire burns in Ventura, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017. Ferocious winds in Southern California have whipped up explosive wildfires, burning a
... moreA wildfire moving with the wind sends embers all over the place in residential neighborhoods north of on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California.
A wildfire moving with the wind sends embers all over the place in residential neighborhoods north of on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California.
A man waters the front of a building and takes a picture of a flame getting closer to homes on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California.
A man waters the front of a building and takes a picture of a flame getting closer to homes on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California.
Strangers band together to help put out a palm tree on fire and stop it from burning homes as brush fire move to threaten structures on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California.
Strangers band together to help put out a palm tree on fire and stop it from burning homes as brush fire move to threaten structures on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California.
A mansion burns as a brush fire continues to threaten homes on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California.
A mansion burns as a brush fire continues to threaten homes on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California.
Flames rise near a home as a wildfire burns in Ventura, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017. Ferocious winds in Southern California have whipped up explosive wildfires, burning a psychiatric hospital and scores of other structures.
lessFlames rise near a home as a wildfire burns in Ventura, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017. Ferocious winds in Southern California have whipped up explosive wildfires, burning a psychiatric hospital and scores of
... moreA house is consumed by a wildfire Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017, in Ventura, Calif. Authorities said the blaze broke out Monday and grew wildly in the hours that followed, consuming vegetation that hasn't burned in decades.
lessA house is consumed by a wildfire Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017, in Ventura, Calif. Authorities said the blaze broke out Monday and grew wildly in the hours that followed, consuming vegetation that hasn't burned in
... moreA man rides his motorcycle past a home consumed by a wildfire Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017, in Ventura, Calif.
A man rides his motorcycle past a home consumed by a wildfire Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017, in Ventura, Calif.
A burned-out car is seen amid the ruins of a home after the Thomas fire swept through Ventura, Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017.
A burned-out car is seen amid the ruins of a home after the Thomas fire swept through Ventura, Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017.
Firefighters put out a flames burning a home Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017, in Ventura, Calif. Authorities said the blaze broke out Monday and grew wildly in the hours that followed, consuming vegetation that hasn't burned in decades.
lessFirefighters put out a flames burning a home Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017, in Ventura, Calif. Authorities said the blaze broke out Monday and grew wildly in the hours that followed, consuming vegetation that hasn't
... moreRemnants of a burned down a home as a brush fire continues to threaten other homes on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California.
Remnants of a burned down a home as a brush fire continues to threaten other homes on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California.
A home is destroyed by brush fire as Santa Ana winds help propel the flames to move quickly through the landscape on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California.
A home is destroyed by brush fire as Santa Ana winds help propel the flames to move quickly through the landscape on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California.
Flames consume vehicles as a wildfire rages in Ventura, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017.
Flames consume vehicles as a wildfire rages in Ventura, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017.
The sun breaks through dense smoke over fire-damaged structures in Ventura, Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017. Ferocious Santa Ana winds raking Southern California whipped explosive wildfires Tuesday, prompting evacuation orders for thousands of homes.
lessThe sun breaks through dense smoke over fire-damaged structures in Ventura, Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017. Ferocious Santa Ana winds raking Southern California whipped explosive wildfires Tuesday, prompting
... moreA firefighter stands under windswept palm trees as he hoses down smoldering debris in Ventura, Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017. Ferocious Santa Ana winds raking Southern California whipped explosive wildfires Tuesday, prompting evacuation orders for thousands of homes.
lessA firefighter stands under windswept palm trees as he hoses down smoldering debris in Ventura, Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017. Ferocious Santa Ana winds raking Southern California whipped explosive wildfires
... moreSmoke rises behind a leveled apartment complex as a wildfire burns in Ventura, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017.
Smoke rises behind a leveled apartment complex as a wildfire burns in Ventura, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017.
Teracota Warrior replicas, garden decorations, sit on the side of the fence that isn't burning, on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California.
Teracota Warrior replicas, garden decorations, sit on the side of the fence that isn't burning, on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California.
A home burns on a hillside overlooking on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California.
A home burns on a hillside overlooking on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California.
A brushfire moving with the wind sends embers all over the place in residential neighborhoods north of on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California.
A brushfire moving with the wind sends embers all over the place in residential neighborhoods north of on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California.
Firefighters work to put out flames after it has engulfed a home on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California.
Firefighters work to put out flames after it has engulfed a home on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California.
Hawaiian Gardens apartment complex on fire as brush fires move quickly with Santa Ana winds on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California.
Hawaiian Gardens apartment complex on fire as brush fires move quickly with Santa Ana winds on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California.
Hawaiian Gardens apartment complex on fire as brush fires move quickly with Santa Ana winds on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California.
Hawaiian Gardens apartment complex on fire as brush fires move quickly with Santa Ana winds on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California.
A man prepares to evacuate his home as a wildfire burns along a hillside near homes in Santa Paula, California, on December 5, 2017.
A man prepares to evacuate his home as a wildfire burns along a hillside near homes in Santa Paula, California, on December 5, 2017.
Evacuation under way on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California.
Evacuation under way on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California.
Fire authorities gather at the command center near Hansen Dam in San Fernando Valley to work on a plan to fight the wildfire burning though the area in Los Angeles on Tuesday Dec. 5, 2017.
Fire authorities gather at the command center near Hansen Dam in San Fernando Valley to work on a plan to fight the wildfire burning though the area in Los Angeles on Tuesday Dec. 5, 2017.
The Thomas wildfire blaze broke out Monday, December 4th and grew wildly to more than 48 square miles in Ventura County.
The Thomas wildfire blaze broke out Monday, December 4th and grew wildly to more than 48 square miles in Ventura County.
The Thomas wildfire blaze broke out Monday, December 4th and grew wildly to more than 48 square miles in Ventura County.
The Thomas wildfire blaze broke out Monday, December 4th and grew wildly to more than 48 square miles in Ventura County.
The Thomas wildfire blaze broke out Monday, December 4th and grew wildly to more than 48 square miles in Ventura County.
The Thomas wildfire blaze broke out Monday, December 4th and grew wildly to more than 48 square miles in Ventura County.
An apartment complex burns as a wildfire rages in Ventura, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017.
An apartment complex burns as a wildfire rages in Ventura, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017.
Remnants of a burned down a home as a brush fire continues to threaten other homes on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California.
Remnants of a burned down a home as a brush fire continues to threaten other homes on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California.
A firefighter battles a wildfire as it burns along a hillside near homes in Santa Paula, California, on December 5, 2017.
A firefighter battles a wildfire as it burns along a hillside near homes in Santa Paula, California, on December 5, 2017.
Firefighters battle a wildfire as it burns along a hillside near homes in Santa Paula, California, on December 5, 2017.
Firefighters battle a wildfire as it burns along a hillside near homes in Santa Paula, California, on December 5, 2017.
A wildfire burns along a hillside near homes in Santa Paula, California, on December 5, 2017.
A wildfire burns along a hillside near homes in Santa Paula, California, on December 5, 2017.
Brandon Baker, center and Prescott McKenzie, right, take cover from the flying embers during a brush fire on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California.
Brandon Baker, center and Prescott McKenzie, right, take cover from the flying embers during a brush fire on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California.
Smoke blows out of the burning palm trees as brush fire threaten homes on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California.
Smoke blows out of the burning palm trees as brush fire threaten homes on December 5, 2017 in Ventura, California.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Thousands of firefighters tried Sunday to shield coastal communities from one of the biggest wildfires in California history while a funeral procession rolled past burn-scarred hillsides in honor of one of their colleagues who was killed battling the flames.
Crews cleared brush and dug containment lines above hillside neighborhoods in Santa Barbara County, taking advantage of slightly calmer winds a day after gusts fanned a flare-up that prompted more evacuations.
"Everything's holding really well," fire information officer Lisa Cox said. "Thousands of homes have been saved."
While gusts had eased somewhat, even lower intensity winds were still dangerous, she warned. The fire northwest of Los Angeles was 40 percent contained.
Santa Barbara Zoo prepared for evacuation Saturday as California fires spread. Although the zoo itself has not been told to evacuate, neighboring areas were told to leave. Zoo Keepers are preparing head lamps in the event of a night evacuation. (Dec. 16)
Media: Associated PressTelevision news footage showed at least one structure burned on property in the wealthy enclave of Montecito, and authorities said damage assessments could take days.
Mourners stood on freeway overpasses to pay respects to firefighter Cory Iverson, 32, who died Thursday of burns and smoke inhalation. His funeral procession was scheduled to wind through five Southern California counties before ending up at a funeral home in San Diego, where he was based with a state fire engine strike team. He is survived by his pregnant wife and a 2-year-old daughter.
The blaze is also blamed for the death of a 70-year-old woman who died in a car crash on an evacuation route.
The fire that started nearly two weeks ago has burned more than 1,000 structures, including at least 750 homes. Some 18,000 more homes are still threatened.
Some evacuation orders were lifted to the east in Ventura County, where the blaze erupted, and officials reported making progress protecting the inland agricultural city of Fillmore.
Jim Holden returned to his neighborhood in the city of Ventura to find his home still standing amid widespread destruction. He told KABC-TV that at the height of the inferno, when it appeared his house would be lost, firefighters risked their own safety to retrieve his belongings.
"They broke in and they saved my family photos," Holden said, wiping away tears.
Mike and Dana Stoneking lost their Ventura home while many of their neighbors' properties were spared. The Stonekings planned to rebuild and found some solace after retrieving Mike's wedding ring from the ashes.
The 420-square-mile (1,085-square-kilometer) blaze called the Thomas Fire crested a peak just north of Montecito, where evacuation orders remained in effect. Known for its star power, the enclave includes the mansions of Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres and many other celebrities.
"Still praying for our little town," Winfrey tweeted. It was not clear if the former talk show host was in Montecito.
A portion of the city of Santa Barbara was also evacuated as a thick plume of smoke blew through city streets. At the city's zoo, workers put some animals into crates and kennels to ready them for possible evacuation.
Everything about the fire has been massive, from the sheer scale of destruction that cremated entire neighborhoods to the legions of people attacking it. About 8,300 firefighters from nearly a dozen states battled the third largest wildfire in state history, aided by 78 bulldozers and 29 helicopters.
The cause remains under investigation. So far, firefighting costs have surpassed $117 million.
