Thomas Fire: Two Weeks In, 50% Contained

Good news to start the day!

Firefighters made great progress yesterday with the help of the huge water tanker aircraft that flew numerous missions over the fire. The winds were calm, permitting firefighters to continue construction of fire breaks along the front county of the community. Temperatures were cooler, with a higher relative humidity, all providing for better firefighting conditions.

Thomas Fire details as of 6:30 a.m. this morning:

• 271,750 acres
• 50% contained
• Evacuation orders were lifted for a number of areas throughout the community
• Highway 154 is closed between 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. but is otherwise open in both directions. (The morning closure is to permit fire equipment to have free access from the fire camp at Lake Cachuma)
• 8,094 firefighters
• 161 hand crews
• 876 fire engines
• 6 air tankers
• 2 C130 tankers on loan from the National Guard
• 2 jumbo tankers, a 747 and DC10
• 35 helicopters (2 helicopters will be flying through the night)
• 72 dozers
• 58 water tenders

Emergency generators remain locked on at the hospital, with diesel refueling daily. The air handlers continue to remove air particulates and the smell of smoke is lessening.

We hope you and your loved ones are safe and the remaining evacuation orders are lifted as quickly as possible so everyone can return to their homes for the holidays.