Solstice marks beginning of winter
Winter's here. The winter solstice, which marks the longest night and fewest hours of daylight of the year, is Thursday. The solstice — also called Yule and Midwinter — is the precise moment at which the Northern Hemisphere is tilted farthest from the sun and occurs at the same instant everywhere on Earth. In the U.S., it happens at 11:28 a.m. ET Thursday (10:28 a.m. CT, 9:28 a.m. MT, 8:28 a.m. PT). One of the most famous solstice celebrations occurs at the ancient Stonehenge ruins in England, where druids, pagans and other revelers gather each year to celebrate the event. The rest of us might just get back under the covers.
Rome funeral for Cardinal Law, who became a powerful symbol of the Catholic clergy abuse scandal
Cardinal Bernard Law, the disgraced former archbishop of Boston whose failure to stop child molesters in the priesthood triggered the worst crisis in American Catholicism, will be remembered with funeral rites at a Mass on Thursday at St. Peter’s Basilica. The honor is one accorded to all Rome-based cardinals. Law went to Rome after resigning his post in Boston and continued to exert influence in the church until he retired in 2011. Pope Francis, who is being watched closely by the faithful over his handling of bishops who shield pedophiles, is set to preside over Law’s funeral. Law died Wednesday.
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Former Boston cardinal Bernard Law has died. Church records show the disgraced former archbishop transferred priests from parish to parish despite records of abuse. USA TODAY
Jerusalem debate heads to the U.N.
Just over two weeks after President Trump fulfilled a campaign promise to move the United States' embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, the battle over the status of Jerusalem will be brought up at the United Nations Thursday. The emergency General Assembly session comes after the U.S. vetoed a Security Council resolution on Monday intended to invalidate Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. How many countries vote to support the resolution, and by extension go against the U.S., will be a strong subplot to Thursday's vote. Trump has threatened to eliminate U.S. funding to any member that voted against his decision.
A closer look at Jerusalem
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A view of the Al-Aqsa compound (Temple Mount) in Jerusalem's Old City on July 14, 2017. The rock over which the shrine was built is sacred to both Muslims and Jews and the Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest site in the world in Islam. According to media reports on Dec. 5 2017 state that US President Donald J. Trump has informed Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas that he intends to relocate the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
ATEF SAFADI, EPA-EFE
People collect olives on millenium olive trees situated in the Franciscan Hermitage of Gethsemane in the Mount of Olives in front of the Jerusalem's Old City, on Oct. 21, 2017, with the Dome of the Rock seen in the background. Millenium Olive trees from this christian place make one of the best quality olive oil in the world according to specialists.
Thomas Coex, AFP/Getty Images
A Palestinian man uses a rope to climb over a section of Israel's controversial separation barrier that separates the West Bank city of al-Ram from east Jerusalem on Feb. 24, 2016. Many Palestinians from the West Bank cross illegally into Israel everyday in search for work.
Thomas Coex, AFP/Getty Images
People stop and stand in silence on a highway in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv on April 24, 2017, as sirens wailed across Israel for two minutes marking the annual day of remembrance for the six million Jewish victims of the Nazi genocide.
Israel began marking Holocaust Martyrs and Heroes Remembrance Day at sundown on April 23 with a ceremony at the Yad Vashem memorial museum in Jerusalem, which commemorates the Jews killed by the Nazi regime during World War II.
Jack Guez, AFP/Getty Images
Ultra-Orthodox Jews walk in the Ultra-Orthodox neighborhood of Mea Shearim of Jerusalem on Sept. 13, 2017.
Thomas Coex, AFP/Getty Images
Jewish men, wearing traditional Jewish prayer shawls known as Tallit, perform the annual Cohanim prayer (priest's blessing) during the Sukkot holiday, or the feast of the Tabernacles, at the Western Wall in the old city of Jerusalem on Oct. 8, 2017. Thousands of Jews make the pilgrimage to Jerusalem during Sukkoth, which commemorates the desert wanderings of the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt.
Menahem Kahana, AFP/Getty Images
Palestinian Muslim men perform the morning Eid al-Fitr prayer near the Dome of Rock at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, Islam's third most holy site, in the old city of Jerusalem on July 6, 2016. Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid al-Fitr marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.
Ahmad Gharabli, AFP/Getty Images
Christian worshippers carry a cross as they walk at the Via Dolorosa in the Jerusalem Old City on Nov. 8, 2017.
Thomas Coex, AFP/Getty Images
A picture taken on Nov. 8, 2017 shows a general view of construction work in Gilo, a Jewish settlement in the mainly Palestinian eastern sector of Jerusalem .
Ahmad Gharabli, AFP/Getty Images
A picture taken on Dec. 5, 2017 shows a partial view of the Palestinian refugee camp of Shuafat in east Jerusalem, where tens of thousands Palestinians live enclosed by the Israeli controversial separation barrier.
Ahmad Gharabli, AFP/Getty Images
Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III, center right, and Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew I make their way to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's Old City on Dec. 5, 2017.
Gali Tibbon, AFP/Getty Images
Ultra-Orthodox Jewish man walks near the ancient Jewish cemetery on the Mount of Olives overlooking the old city of Jerusalem on Dec. 5, 2017. Speculation in the media have suggested that US President Donald Trump will soon announce that Jerusalem should be the recognized as the capital of Israel, amid further speculation that the US Embassy should be moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, fulfilling one of his campaign promises. Several Arab and Muslim countries are rejecting any possible US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
Abir Sultan, EPA-EFE
Israeli street performers play at the Jaffa Gate, in the Old City of Jerusalem on Dec. 1, 2017.
Abir Sultan, EPA-EFE
Ultra Orthodox Jews look on the Tower of David Museum, in the Old City of Jerusalem on Nov. 30, 2017.
Abir Sultan, EPA-EFE
Israeli policeman stand guard as cement blocks are placed by Israeli security forces on a road linking the Arab east Jerusalem neighborhood of Beit Hanina and West Jerusalem, on Sept. 29, 2017, ahead of Yom Kippur, the Jewish holy day of Atonement. Israel boosted security and barred Palestinians from entering from the occupied West Bank or the Gaza Strip ahead of the solemn Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur that began at sunset.
Ahmad Gharabli, AFP/Getty Images
Tourists watch the Dome of the Rock (seen at the background) and the old city of Jerusalem, from the Olive Mount overlooking, in Jerusalem on Nov. 2, 2017.
Atef Safadi, EPA-EFE
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U.S. life expectancy drops for second straight year
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that the average life expectancy will drop for Americans for the second straight year, a new report released on Thursday finds.Some of the culprits, researchers say, center on the ongoing opioid crisis and stalled progress on solving heart disease, the nation's biggest killer. According to the report, a baby born in the U.S. in 2016 could expect to live 78.6 years, a decrease of more than a month from 2015 and more than two months from 2014. The decline is the first consecutive year drop since 1962 and 1963. One bit of good news for Americans? If you make it to age 65, you can expect to live another 18 years if you are a man and 20.6 years if you are a woman.
California under wildfire warning
After a brief lull from punishing winds, the second-largest wildfire in modern California history could well roar back to life after the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag warning — signals ideal conditions for wildfires — through Thursday morning. Although evacuation orders were lifted on Tuesday for some of the thousands of Southern California residents displaced this fire season, hillside homes are still threatened in Santa Barbara, about 100 miles northwest of Los Angeles. CalFire reported Wednesday the fire was only 60% contained and will soon become the largest in state history before its expected containment on Jan. 7.
Startling images as wildfires ravage Southern California
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Firefighters from Kern County, Calif., work to put out hot spots during a wildfire Dec. 16, 2017 in Montecito, Calif.
Chris Carlson, AP
A firefighter from the California Conservation Crops Alder Camp works to put out hot spots during a wildfire Dec. 16, 2017 in Montecito, Calif.
Chris Carlson, AP
Flames burn near power lines in Sycamore Canyon near West Mountain Drive in Montecito, Calif. on Dec. 16, 2017. One of the largest wildfires in California history is now 40 percent contained but flames still threaten coastal communities as dry, gusty winds are predicted to continue. Some 8,000 firefighters are deployed to the so-called Thomas Fire, which has burned for nearly two weeks and still threatens 18,000 homes. Swaths of Santa Barbara County remain under evacuation orders.
Mike Eliason, Santa Barbara County Fire Department via AP
Firefighters from Kern County, Calif., work to put out hot spots during a wildfire Dec. 16, 2017 in Montecito, Calif.
Chris Carlson, AP
A Bombardier 415 Superscooper makes a water drop on hot spots along the hillside east of Gibraltar Road as efforts to battle the Thomas Fire continue near Montecito, Calif. on Dec. 16, 2017.
Mike Eliason , Santa Barbara County Fire Department via EPA-EFE
Flames churn towards a large fire break near homes along Gibraltar Road north of Santa Barbara, Calif. on Dec. 16, 2017.
Mike Eliason , Santa Barbara County Fire Department via EPA-EFE
Kyle Cox, 7, uses a hose to water down the burning embers from an overnight fire near his home in Fillmore, California on Dec. 15, 2017, as the Thomas Fire flared up again, growing to 252,500 acres.
Frederic J. Brown, AFP/Getty Images
Firefighters water down burning embers from an overnight fire in Fillmore, California on Dec. 15, 2017, as the Thomas Fire flared up again, growing to 252,500 acres.
Frederic J. Brown, AFP/Getty Images
Los Angeles skyline is seen through burned trees after a brush fire erupted in the hills in Elysian Park in Los Angeles on Dec. 14, 2017.
Damian Dovarganes, AP
Flames from a back firing operation underway rise behind a home off Ladera Lane near Bella Vista Drive in Santa Barbara, Calif on Dec. 14, 2017. Red Flag warnings for the critical combination of low humidity and strong winds expired for a swath of Southern California at midmorning but a new warning was scheduled to go into effect Saturday in the fire area due to the predicted return of winds. The so-called Thomas Fire, the fourth-largest in California history, was 35 percent contained after sweeping across more than 394 square miles of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties since it erupted Dec. 4 a few miles from Thomas Aquinas College.
Mike Eliason, Santa Barbara County Fire Department via AP
An Erickson MD-87, right, makes a Phos-chek drop while following the lead plane during continuing efforts to fight the Thomas Fire on East Camino Cielo above Montecito, Calif. on Dec. 14, 2017.
Mike Eliason , Santa Barbara County Fire Department via EPA-EFE
Firefighters watch flames as the Thomas Fire approaches homes on Dec.12, 2017 in Montecito, Calif. The Thomas Fire has spread across 365 miles so far and destroyed about 800 structures since it began on Dec. 5 in Ojai.
David McNew, Getty Images
Firefighters battle flames on State Route 150 between Carpinteria and Ojai Calif.
Tom Tingle, The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY NETWORK
Bill Hahn, owner of the Rose Story Farm, at his 15-acre property, hoping that firefighters can save his property in Carpinteria, Calif.
Tom Tingle, The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY NETWORK
An inmate wild land fire crew clears brush at the Rose Story Farm in Carpinteria, Calif.
Tom Tingle, The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY NETWORK
Charred ground in the Shepard Mesa neighborhood smolders from a wildfire in in Carpinteria, Calif.
Kenneth Song, Santa Barbara News-Press via AP
A fire-fighting helicopter makes a water drop on a hotspot near a house in the Shepard Mesa neighborhood in Carpinteria, Calif.
Kenneth Song, Santa Barbara News-Press via AP
Firefighting helicopters try to save a house from the Thomas wildfire in Carpinteria, Calif. on Dec. 10, 2017. The Thomas fire is only 15 percent contained, now threatening the city of Santa Barbara and the nearby coastal town of Carpinteria, making it one of the worst wildfires in California history.
Mark Ralston
A house burns near Casitas Pass Road as the Thomas Fire continues to grow on Dec. 10, 2017 near Carpinteria, Calif.
David McNew, Getty Images
Firefighters move away from a burning house after discovering downed live power lines, as the Thomas wildfire continues to burn in Carpinteria, Calif. on Dec. 10, 2017.
Mark Ralston, AFP/Getty Images
Firefighters investigate burnt out cars, as the Thomas wildfire continues to burn in Carpinteria, Calif. on Dec. 10, 2017.
Mark Ralston, AFP/Getty Images
A firefighter hoses the burning ruins of a house near Casitas Pass Road as the Thomas Fire continues to grow on Dec. 10, 2017 near Carpinteria, Calif.
David McNew, Getty Images
Horses that were evacuated from the Thomas Fire are seen on Dec. 10, 2017 in Ojai, Calif.
David McNew, Getty Images
The ruins of a house that was destroyed by the Thomas Fire are seen on Dec. 10, 2017 near Carpinteria, Calif.
David McNew, Getty Images
Christmas decorations illuminate a house as the growing Thomas Fire advances toward Santa Barbara County seaside communities on Dec. 10, 2017 in Carpinteria, Calif.
David McNew, Getty Images
People watch as the Thomas Fire advances toward Santa Barbara County seaside communities on Dec. 10, 2017 in Carpinteria, Calif.
David McNew, Getty Images
Local residents keep watch while fire and smoke from the Thomas wildfire heads towards their housing estate in Ojai, Calif. on Dec. 9, 2017. Brutal winds that fueled southern California's firestorm finally began to ease Saturday, giving residents and firefighters hope for respite as the destructive toll of multiple blazes came into focus.
Mark Ralston, AFP/Getty Images
A helicopter drops water while trying to keep a wildfire from jumping Santa Ana Road near Ventura, Calif. on Dec. 9, 2017.
Noah Berger, AP
Firefighters light backfire while trying to keep a wildfire from jumping Santa Ana Rd. near Ventura, Calif. on Dec. 9, 2017.
Noah Berger, AP
CalFire works in Ventura County as efforts continue against the Thomas Fire in Ojai, Calif. on Dec. 9, 2017. Several fires burning in various locations of Southern California with the Thomas Fire the largest at 148,000 acres burned, forcing hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate as one of the strongest Santa Ana winds forecast of the season have continued for much of the past week.
John Cetrino, EPA-EFE
Fire burns utility poles in Ventura County as efforts continue against the Thomas Fire in Ojai, Calif. on Dec. 9, 2017.
John Cetrino, EPA-EFE
Flames rise as a fire front approaches the Lake Casitas area on Dec. 8, 2017 near Ojai, Calif. Strong Santa Ana winds have been feeding major wildfires all week, destroying hundreds of houses and forcing tens of thousands of people to stay away from their homes.
David McNew, Getty Images
National Guard helicopters make water drop as the Thomas Fire approaches the Lake Casitas area on Dec. 9, 2017 near Ojai, Calif.
David McNew, Getty Images
Firefighters watch after setting a backfire at night to make progress against the Thomas Fire before the winds return with the daylight near Lake Casitas on Dec. 9, 2017 near Ojai, Calif.
David McNew, Getty Images
Firefighters set a backfire to make progress against the Thomas Fire before the winds return with the daylight near Lake Casitas on Dec. 9, 2017 near Ojai, Calif.
David McNew, Getty Images
Firefighters put out burning embers from recent Ventura County fires in the Los Padres National Forest north of Ojai, California on Dec. 8, 2017. Unrelenting winds fanned towering flames in southern California, where hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to flee multiple devastating fires in the Los Angeles area and new outbreaks near San Diego.
Frederic J. Brown, AFP/Getty Images
A thank you banner for firefigters is placed on a grass patch in Ojai, California on Dec. 8, 2017.
Frederic J. Brown, AFP/Getty Images
Firefighters monitor the Thomas fire as it burns through Los Padres National Forest near Ojai, Calif. on Dec. 8, 2017.
Noah Berger, AP
A hillside glows with embers as the Thomas fire burns through Los Padres National Forest near Ojai, Calif. on Dec. 8, 2017.
Noah Berger, AP
Judy Bell surveys the damage to her home on Dec. 8, 2017, in the community of Camino Cielo near Ojai, Calif., as the Thomas Fire burned for a fifth day.
Juan Carlo, The Ventura County Star via AP
A charred snowman holiday display looks out over mobile homes consumed by the Lilac wildfire in Fallbrook, California, USA, 08 Dec. 8, 2017.
Eugene Garcia, EPA-EFE
A holiday display hangs on the side of a mobile home consumed by the Lilac wildfire in Fallbrook, Calif. on Dec. 8, 2017.
Eugene Garcia, EPA-EFE
Firefighters rest after protecting mobile homes after other structures were consumed by the Lilac wildfire in Fallbrook, Calif. Dec. 8, 2017.
Eugene Garcia, EPA-EFE
Marissa Sherman, left, reacts as she sees the destroyed home of her grandfather, Dick Marsala, right, after a wildfire roared through the Rancho Monserate Country Club, on Dec. 8, 2017, in Bonsall, Calif.
Gregory Bull, AP
Dick Marsala looks through debris from his destroyed home after a wildfire roared through the Rancho Monserate Country Club, Friday, in Bonsall, Calif. The wind-swept blazes have forced tens of thousands of evacuations and destroyed dozens of homes in Southern California.
Gregory Bull, AP
Firefighters battle the Lilac fire in Bonsall, Calif., Friday. The blaze burned numerous structures and thousands of acres according to fire officials.
Noah Berger, AP
Fire crews search for hot spots among destroyed homes in the Rancho Monserate Country Club community Friday.
Gregory Bull, AP
Gary and Eileen Young of Pilgrim Creek rest at the Oceanside High School shelter as wildfires rip through Southern California.
Sean Logan, The Republic-USA TODAY NETWORK
A street destroyed by the Lilac Fire in Rancho Monserate Country Club is pictured on Friday, in Fallbrook, Calif. The fire is just one of several wildfires raging throughout southern California.
Sean Logan, The Republic
Firefighters monitor a fire beside Highway 33 north of Ojai, Calif., Friday.
Frederic J. Brown, AFP/Getty Images
Firefighters put out burning embers from the Thomas Fire at the Los Padres National Forest north of Ojai, Calif.
Frederic J. Brown, AFP/Getty Images
A photo album damaged by fire is see amid the destruction of the Lilac Fire, Friday, at a retirement community in Fallbrook, in San Diego County Calif. Hot and dry Santa Ana winds have ignited wildfires across Southern California.
Robyn Beck, AFP/Getty Images
A wreath hangs on the gate of a burned property at the Lilac Fire in the early morning hours, Friday, near Bonsall, Calif.
David McNew, Getty Images
John Knapp examines the damage from the Lilac Fire in his neighborhood at Rancho Monserate Country Club.
Sean Logan, The Republic-USA TODAY NETWORK
Firefighter Jason Scott of the Heartland Fire Dept., recovers a safe from a destroyed home in the Rancho Monserate Country Club Friday.
Gregory Bull, AP
Local resident Pal Paricsy looks over the remains of his neighbors' homes destroyed by the Lilac Fire, Friday, in Bonsall, Calif.
Robiyn Beck, AFP/Getty Images
A structure burns at the Lilac Fire early Friday morning near Bonsall, Calif.
David McNew, Getty Images
Richard Timboe, right, and his son Steve move items out of Richards' home in Rancho Monserate Country Club. Much of the neighborhood was affected by the Lilac Fire, but Timboe's house survived.
Sean Logan, The Republic-USA TODAY NETWORK
A home destroyed by the Lilac Fire is seen in Rancho Monserate Country Club on Friday, in Fallbrook, Calif.
Sean Logan, The Republic
Dick Marsala looks through debris from his destroyed home after a wildfire roared through the Rancho Monserate Country Club.
Gregory Bull, AP
A firefighter douses a smoldering pile of wood chips and mulch, sparked by a wildfire Friday, Dec. 8, 2017, in Fallbrook, Calif. The wind-swept blazes have forced tens of thousands of evacuations.
Gregory Bull, AP
A street destroyed by the Lilac Fire in Rancho Monserate Country Club.
Sean Logan, The Republic-USA TODAY NETWORK
Horses that survived the Lilac Fire in their stalls are loaded onto a trailer in the early Friday morning, near Bonsall, Calif.
David McNew, Getty Images
Firefighters break up hotspots in an attempt to halt the spread of the Lilac Fire, on Friday.
Robyn Beck, AFP/Getty Images
Firefighter Simon Garcia, of Heartland Fire Dept., gets a hug from a woman after she arrived to find her house was intact in the Rancho Monserate Country Club, Friday.
Gregory Bull, AP
Exhausted firefighters have their first rest in over 20 hours since starting to fight the Lilac Fire, in Bonsall, Calif.
Robyn Beck, AFP/Getty Images
A plane drops fire retardant on a wildfire Friday, in Fallbrook, Calif.
Gregory Bull, AP
John Knapp's back windshield is covered in red splatters from fire retardant dumped over Rancho Monserate Country Club, which was affected by the Lilac Fire, on Friday.
Sean Logan, The Republic
Firefighters monitor a section of the Thomas Fire along the 101 freeway, Thursday, north of Ventura, Calif. Ffirefighters occasionally used a flare device to burn-off brush close to the roadside.
Mario Tama, Getty Images
A fire ravaged vechile remains parked in front of fire-affected homes north of Ojai, Calif.
Frederic J. Brown, AFP/Getty Images
A man bicycles past bluffs burned in the Thomas Fire on Thursday, in La Conchita, Calif. The fire has destroyed 439 structures and burned 115,000 acres.
Mario Tama, Getty Images
Firefighters walk to the fire line at the Lilac fire in Bonsall, Calif., on Dec. 7, 2017.
SANDY HUFFAKER, AFP/Getty Images
Volunteers rescue horses at a stable during the Lilac fire in Bonsall, Calif., on Dec. 7, 2017.
SANDY HUFFAKER, AFP/Getty Images
Firefighters walk to the fire line at the Lilac fire in Bonsall, Calif., on Dec. 7, 2017.
SANDY HUFFAKER, AFP/Getty Images
The Thomas Fire burns a hillside behind Lake Casitas in Ventura, Calif., on Dec. 8, 2017.
KYLE GRILLOT, AFP/Getty Images
Christy Woodhams and her son Josh Lowe inspect the remains of the cabin they were staying in that belonged to her cousin at Camp Bartlett, in Santa Paula, Calif.
Richard Lui, The Desert Sun via USA TODAY NETWORK
Firefighters monitor a section of the Thomas Fire along the 101 freeway on Dec. 7, 2017, north of Ventura, Calif. The firefighters occasionally used a flare device to burn-off brush close to the roadside.
Mario Tama, Getty Images
Firefighter Mike Warren, part of a Portland, Ore., crew battling the Thomas fire, stages in Ojai, Calif., on Dec. 7, 2017. The biggest and most destructive of the windblown fires raking Southern California shut down one of the region's busiest freeways Thursday and threatened Ojai, a scenic mountain town dubbed "Shangri-La" and known for its boutique hotels and New Age spiritual retreats.
Noah Berger, AP
The 101 Highway was closed after the Thomas Fire jumped the road toward the Pacific Coast Highway in Ventura, Calif., on Dec. 7, 2017.
Kyle Grillot, AFP/Getty Images
A helicopter drops water while battling the Thomas fire in Ojai, Calif., on Dec. 7, 2017.
Noah Berger, AP
A group of horse rescuers stages in a parking lot as smoke from the Thomas fire billows over Ojai, Calif., on Dec. 7, 2017. The volunteers, who met through a Facebook group, estimated that they have evacuated more than 100 horses from the fire.
Noah Berger, AP
A firefighter battles a wildfire at Faria State Beach in Ventura, Calif., on Dec. 7, 2017. The wind-swept blazes have forced tens of thousands of evacuations and destroyed dozens of homes.
Jae C. Hong, AP
Palm trees sway in a gust of wind as a firefighter carries a water hose while battling a wildfire at Faria State Beach in Ventura, Calif., on Dec. 7, 2017.
Jae C. Hong, AP
Two firefighters watch as a home burns in a wildfire in La Conchita, Calif., Dec. 7, 2017. The wind-swept blazes have forced tens of thousands of evacuations and destroyed dozens of homes.
Jae C. Hong, AP
Firefighters work to extinguish the Thomas Fire as it burns past the 101 Highway towards the Pacific Coast Highway in Ventura, California, December 7, 2017.
Kyle Grillot, AFP/Getty Images
The 101 Highway was closed after the Thomas Fire jumped the road towards the Pacific Coast Highway in Ventura, California, December 7, 2017.
Kyle Grillot, AFP/Getty Images
A motorists on Highway 101 watches flames from the Thomas fire leap above the roadway north of Ventura, Calif., on Dec. 6, 2017.
Noah Berger, AP
A section of the Thomas Fire burns on a bluff on Dec. 7, 2017 in La Conchita, Calif.
Mario Tama, Getty Images
Orange County firefighter Robert Bucho tapes off Highway 150 near Santa Paula for caution as power lines brought down by the Thomas Fire block the road. The road is closed until further notice.
Juan Carlo, Ventura County Star via USA TODAY NETWORK
Firefighter Dan Whelan is silhouetted against the sun as he battles a wildfire burning near Faria State Beach in Ventura, Calif., Dec. 7, 2017.
Jae C. Hong, AP
A woman involved in a traffic accident waits to get towed beside a wall of flames on the 101 highway during the Thomas wildfire near Ventura, Calif. on Dec. 6, 2017.
Mark Ralston, AFP/Getty Images
A volunteer passes supplies donated to Thomas fire evacuees in Ventura, Calif., on Dec. 6, 2017. As many as five fires have closed highways, schools and museums, shut down production of TV series and cast a hazardous haze over the region. About 200,000 people were under evacuation orders. No deaths and only a few injuries were reported.
Noah Berger, AP
A family wears face masks as they walk through the smoke filled streets after the Thomas wildfire swept through Ventura, Calif. on Dec. 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.
Mark Ralston, AFP/Getty Images
The Thomas Fire burns near Highway 101 in Ventura, Calif.
Juan Carlo, Ventura County Star, via USA TODAY Network
An evacuees from the Thomas Fire rests in the Ventura County Fairgrounds evacuation center in Ventura, Calif.
Mike Nelson, EPA-EFE
The Thomas Fire burns near Highway 101 in Ventura, Calif.
Juan Carlo, Ventura County Star, via USA TODAY NETWORK
A new wildfire broke out overnight in some of Los Angeles' most exclusive neighborhoods. As the fire climbs up the canyon wall, firefighters race to save the homes along the 1700 block of Linda Flora in the upscale Bel Air Estates area of Los Angeles on Dec. 6, 2017.
Dan MacMedan, USA TODAY
LAFD Captain Scott Quinn coordinates the attack on two fires of homes in the upscale Bel Air Estates area of Los Angeles on Dec. 6, 2017.
Dan MacMedan, USA TODAY
Dense vegetation along the canyon walls fueled the fires even with constant water drops from helicopters in Los Angeles on Dec. 6, 2017.
Dan MacMedan, USA TODAY
Firefighters try to save a house in the 1700 block of Linda Flora in the upscale Bel Air Estates area of Los Angeles on Dec. 6, 2017.
Dan MacMedan, USA TODAY
Firefighters work in the Bel Air Estates area of Los Angeles on Dec. 6, 2017.
Dan MacMedan, USA TODAY
A vintage Mercedes sits in ruins along with a burned home in the Bel Air Estates area of Los Angeles on Dec. 6, 2017.
Dan MacMedan, USA TODAY
Firefighters battle flames on Foothill Boulevard in the Lake View Terrace area during the Creek Fire in Lake View Terrace, Calif. on Dec. 5, 2017.
Joe Lumaya, Ventura County Star, via USA TODAY NETWORK
A horse rider heads back to his home as other owners start to evacuate their horses during the Creek Fire in Lake View Terrace, Calif., on Dec. 5, 2017.
Joe Lumaya, Ventura County Star, via USA TODAY NETWORK
Residents watch fire retardant dropped on an area of the Rye Canyon Fire, one of several fires burning in Southern California.
Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
As the sun sets, a resident watches the Rye Canyon Fire in Stevenson Ranch, Calif., on Dec. 5, 2017. The Rye Canyon Fire had burned over 5,000 acres by 4 p.m. The fire forced the evacuation of several schools in the area and the closure of several roads.
Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
Los Angeles County firefighters battle flames in Lake View Terrace, Calif., on Dec. 5, 2017.
Joe Lumaya, Ventura County Star, via USA TODAY NETWORK
Residents gather on Poe Parkway in Stevenson Ranch, Calif., to watch the Rye Canyon Fire, one of several burning in Southern California.
Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
Michael and Vonea McQuillam stand beside their house that was burned to the ground during the Thomas wildfire in Ventura, Calif., on Dec. 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.
Mark Ralston, AFP/Getty Images
A fireman walks past a totally engulfed burning home at the corner of North Fir and Buena Vista Street at 2:00 a.m. on Dec. 5, 2017.
Chuck Kirmanv, Ventura County Star, via USA TODAY NETWORK
A man rides his bike past a home consumed by a wildfire on Dec. 5, 2017, in Ventura, Calif.
Jae C. Hong, AP
James and Josie Ralstin carry belongings from their Ventura, Calif., home as flames from a wildfire consume another residence on Dec. 5, 2017. The couple evacuated early Tuesday morning as the fire approached, but returned to retrieve medications and other property.
Noah Berger, AP
The Thomas Fire burns in the hills above Santa Paula on Dec. 4, 2017, in Ventura, Calif.
Anthony Plascencia, Ventura County Star, via USA TODAY NETWORK
Horses are evacuated from a ranch along Kagel Canyon at the Creek fire on Dec. 5, 2017, in La Canada Flintridge, 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 other structures Tuesday and forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of people.
David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News, via AP
Engineer Brock Harmon from the L.A. Fire Department sprays water on a burning home at the corner of North Fir and Buena Vista Streets in Ventura on Dec. 5, 2017.
Chuck Kirmanv, Ventura County Star, via USA TODAY NETWORK
Firefighters put out flames near a home along Kagel Canyon Road at the Creek fire on Dec. 5, 2017, in Lake View Terrace area of Los Angeles .
David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News, via AP
Horses are evacuated during the Creek fire on Dec. 5, 2017, in La Canada Flintridge, Calif.
David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News, via AP
A home totally engulfed in flames from the Thomas fire at the corner of North Fir and Buena Vista Street in Ventura, Calif., on Dec. 5, 2017.
Chuck Kirmanv, Ventura County Star, via USA TODAY NETWORK
Homeowner Alan Barnard walks past the remains of his RV from a wildfire in the Lake View Terrace area of Los Angeles on Dec. 5, 2017.
Chris Carlson, AP
As the Hawaiian Village apartments burn a man dodges embers and has a hose ready to spray his rooftop on Polin Street in Ventura, Calif.
Chuck Kirmanv, Ventura County Star, via USA TODAY NETWORK
Smoke from the Creek wildfire in the San Gabriel Mountains, the second range behind the Hollywood Hills, home of the Hollywood sign, looms up over Los Angeles Tuesday morning on Dec. 5, 2017.
Reed Saxon, AP
Flames rise near a home as a wildfire burns in Ventura, Calif., on Dec. 5, 2017. Ferocious winds in Southern California have whipped up explosive wildfires, burning a psychiatric hospital and scores of other structures.
Jae C. Hong, AP
The Hawaiian Village apartments burn out of control from the Thomas fire in Ventura, Calif., on Dec. 5, 2017.
Chuck Kirmanv, Ventura County Star, via USA TODAY NETWORK
Greg Smith stands amid the ruins of his home after the Thomas fire swept through Ventura, Calif., on Dec. 5, 2017.
Daniel Dreifuss, AP
Smoke rises behind a leveled apartment complex as a wildfire burns in Ventura, Calif., on Dec. 5, 2017. Over 100 structures have burned so far in Ventura County, officials said.
Noah Berger, AP
A firefighter checks damage to a home at Lake View Terrace area of Los Angeles on Dec. 5, 2017.
David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News, via AP
The Thomas Fire burns in the hills above Santa Paula on Dec. 4, 2017
Anthony Plascencia, Ventura County Star, via USA TODAY NETWORK
The Thomas Fire burns in the hills near Steckel Park in Santa Paula on Dec. 4, 2017.
Anthony Plascencia, Ventura County Star, via USA TODAY NETWORK
A fire near Santa Paula burns in the background on Dec. 4, 2017, as public safety personnel gather at the command post.
Megan Diskin, Ventura County Star, via USA TODAY NETWORK
A home in Ventura goes up in flames as the Thomas Fire descends down from the hills.
Juan Carlo, Ventura County Star, via USA TODAY NETWORK
Flames totally engulf two homes at the corner of North Fir and Buena Vista streets at 1:30 a.m. on Dec. 5, 2017.
Chuck Kirmanv, Ventura County Star, via USA TODAY NETWORK
The Hawaiian Village Apartments burn as a neighborhood resident climbs to his rooftop with a hose in Ventura, Calif.
Chuck Kirmanv, Ventura County Star, via USA TODAY NETWORK
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![Firefighters from Kern County, Calif., work to put]()
1 of 132![A firefighter from the California Conservation Crops]()
2 of 132![Flames burn near power lines in Sycamore Canyon near]()
3 of 132![Firefighters from Kern County, Calif., work to put]()
4 of 132![A Bombardier 415 Superscooper makes a water drop on]()
5 of 132![Flames churn towards a large fire break near homes]()
6 of 132![Kyle Cox, 7, uses a hose to water down the burning]()
7 of 132![Firefighters water down burning embers from an overnight]()
8 of 132![Los Angeles skyline is seen through burned trees after]()
9 of 132![Flames from a back firing operation underway rise behind]()
10 of 132![An Erickson MD-87, right, makes a Phos-chek drop while]()
11 of 132![Firefighters watch flames as the Thomas Fire approaches]()
12 of 132![Firefighters battle flames on State Route 150 between]()
13 of 132![Bill Hahn, owner of the Rose Story Farm, at his 15-acre]()
14 of 132![An inmate wild land fire crew clears brush at the Rose]()
15 of 132![Charred ground in the Shepard Mesa neighborhood smolders]()
16 of 132![A fire-fighting helicopter makes a water drop on a]()
17 of 132![Firefighting helicopters try to save a house from the]()
18 of 132![A house burns near Casitas Pass Road as the Thomas]()
19 of 132![Firefighters move away from a burning house after discovering]()
20 of 132![Firefighters investigate burnt out cars, as the Thomas]()
21 of 132![A firefighter hoses the burning ruins of a house near]()
22 of 132![Horses that were evacuated from the Thomas Fire are]()
23 of 132![The ruins of a house that was destroyed by the Thomas]()
24 of 132![Christmas decorations illuminate a house as the growing]()
25 of 132![People watch as the Thomas Fire advances toward Santa]()
26 of 132![Local residents keep watch while fire and smoke from]()
27 of 132![A helicopter drops water while trying to keep a wildfire]()
28 of 132![Firefighters light backfire while trying to keep a]()
29 of 132![CalFire works in Ventura County as efforts continue]()
30 of 132![Fire burns utility poles in Ventura County as efforts]()
31 of 132![Flames rise as a fire front approaches the Lake Casitas]()
32 of 132![National Guard helicopters make water drop as the Thomas]()
33 of 132![Firefighters watch after setting a backfire at night]()
34 of 132![Firefighters set a backfire to make progress against]()
35 of 132![Firefighters put out burning embers from recent Ventura]()
36 of 132![A thank you banner for firefigters is placed on a grass]()
37 of 132![Firefighters monitor the Thomas fire as it burns through]()
38 of 132![A hillside glows with embers as the Thomas fire burns]()
39 of 132![Judy Bell surveys the damage to her home on Dec. 8,]()
40 of 132![A charred snowman holiday display looks out over mobile]()
41 of 132![A holiday display hangs on the side of a mobile home]()
42 of 132![Firefighters rest after protecting mobile homes after]()
43 of 132![Marissa Sherman, left, reacts as she sees the destroyed]()
44 of 132![Dick Marsala looks through debris from his destroyed]()
45 of 132![Firefighters battle the Lilac fire in Bonsall, Calif.,]()
46 of 132![Fire crews search for hot spots among destroyed homes]()
47 of 132![Gary and Eileen Young of Pilgrim Creek rest at the]()
48 of 132![A street destroyed by the Lilac Fire in Rancho Monserate]()
49 of 132![Firefighters monitor a fire beside Highway 33 north]()
50 of 132![Firefighters put out burning embers from the Thomas]()
51 of 132![A photo album damaged by fire is see amid the destruction]()
52 of 132![A wreath hangs on the gate of a burned property at]()
53 of 132![John Knapp examines the damage from the Lilac Fire]()
54 of 132![Firefighter Jason Scott of the Heartland Fire Dept.,]()
55 of 132![Local resident Pal Paricsy looks over the remains of]()
56 of 132![A structure burns at the Lilac Fire early Friday morning]()
57 of 132![Richard Timboe, right, and his son Steve move items]()
58 of 132![A home destroyed by the Lilac Fire is seen in Rancho]()
59 of 132![Dick Marsala looks through debris from his destroyed]()
60 of 132![A firefighter douses a smoldering pile of wood chips]()
61 of 132![A street destroyed by the Lilac Fire in Rancho Monserate]()
62 of 132![Horses that survived the Lilac Fire in their stalls]()
63 of 132![Firefighters break up hotspots in an attempt to halt]()
64 of 132![Firefighter Simon Garcia, of Heartland Fire Dept.,]()
65 of 132![Exhausted firefighters have their first rest in over]()
66 of 132![A plane drops fire retardant on a wildfire Friday,]()
67 of 132![John Knapp's back windshield is covered in red splatters]()
68 of 132![Firefighters monitor a section of the Thomas Fire along]()
69 of 132![A fire ravaged vechile remains parked in front of fire-affected]()
70 of 132![A man bicycles past bluffs burned in the Thomas Fire]()
71 of 132![Firefighters walk to the fire line at the Lilac fire]()
72 of 132![Volunteers rescue horses at a stable during the Lilac]()
73 of 132![Firefighters walk to the fire line at the Lilac fire]()
74 of 132![The Thomas Fire burns a hillside behind Lake Casitas]()
75 of 132![Christy Woodhams and her son Josh Lowe inspect the]()
76 of 132![Firefighters monitor a section of the Thomas Fire along]()
77 of 132![Firefighter Mike Warren, part of a Portland, Ore.,]()
78 of 132![The 101 Highway was closed after the Thomas Fire jumped]()
79 of 132![A helicopter drops water while battling the Thomas]()
80 of 132![A group of horse rescuers stages in a parking lot as]()
81 of 132![A firefighter battles a wildfire at Faria State Beach]()
82 of 132![Palm trees sway in a gust of wind as a firefighter]()
83 of 132![Two firefighters watch as a home burns in a wildfire]()
84 of 132![Firefighters work to extinguish the Thomas Fire as]()
85 of 132![The 101 Highway was closed after the Thomas Fire jumped]()
86 of 132![A motorists on Highway 101 watches flames from the]()
87 of 132![A section of the Thomas Fire burns on a bluff on Dec.]()
88 of 132![Orange County firefighter Robert Bucho tapes off Highway]()
89 of 132![Firefighter Dan Whelan is silhouetted against the sun]()
90 of 132![A woman involved in a traffic accident waits to get]()
91 of 132![A volunteer passes supplies donated to Thomas fire]()
92 of 132![A family wears face masks as they walk through the]()
93 of 132![The Thomas Fire burns near Highway 101 in Ventura,]()
94 of 132![An evacuees from the Thomas Fire rests in the Ventura]()
95 of 132![The Thomas Fire burns near Highway 101 in Ventura,]()
96 of 132![A new wildfire broke out overnight in some of Los Angeles']()
97 of 132![LAFD Captain Scott Quinn coordinates the attack on]()
98 of 132![Dense vegetation along the canyon walls fueled the]()
99 of 132![Firefighters try to save a house in the 1700 block]()
100 of 132![Firefighters work in the Bel Air Estates area of Los]()
101 of 132![A vintage Mercedes sits in ruins along with a burned]()
102 of 132![Firefighters battle flames on Foothill Boulevard in]()
103 of 132![A horse rider heads back to his home as other owners]()
104 of 132![Residents watch fire retardant dropped on an area of]()
105 of 132![As the sun sets, a resident watches the Rye Canyon]()
106 of 132![Los Angeles County firefighters battle flames in Lake]()
107 of 132![Residents gather on Poe Parkway in Stevenson Ranch,]()
108 of 132![Michael and Vonea McQuillam stand beside their house]()
109 of 132![A fireman walks past a totally engulfed burning home]()
110 of 132![A man rides his bike past a home consumed by a wildfire]()
111 of 132![James and Josie Ralstin carry belongings from their]()
112 of 132![The Thomas Fire burns in the hills above Santa Paula]()
113 of 132![Horses are evacuated from a ranch along Kagel Canyon]()
114 of 132![Engineer Brock Harmon from the L.A. Fire Department]()
115 of 132![Firefighters put out flames near a home along Kagel]()
116 of 132![Horses are evacuated during the Creek fire on Dec.]()
117 of 132![A home totally engulfed in flames from the Thomas fire]()
118 of 132![Homeowner Alan Barnard walks past the remains of his]()
119 of 132![As the Hawaiian Village apartments burn a man dodges]()
120 of 132![Smoke from the Creek wildfire in the San Gabriel Mountains,]()
121 of 132![Flames rise near a home as a wildfire burns in Ventura,]()
122 of 132![The Hawaiian Village apartments burn out of control]()
123 of 132![Greg Smith stands amid the ruins of his home after]()
124 of 132![Smoke rises behind a leveled apartment complex as a]()
125 of 132![A firefighter checks damage to a home at Lake View]()
126 of 132![The Thomas Fire burns in the hills above Santa Paula]()
127 of 132![The Thomas Fire burns in the hills near Steckel Park]()
128 of 132![A fire near Santa Paula burns in the background on]()
129 of 132![A home in Ventura goes up in flames as the Thomas Fire]()
130 of 132![Flames totally engulf two homes at the corner of North]()
131 of 132![The Hawaiian Village Apartments burn as a neighborhood]()
132 of 132
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Contributing: The Associated Press
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