Thomas Fire continues to grow; containment up to 20 percent
Update Tuesday, 7 a.m.
The Thomas Fire grew slightly overnight to 234,200 acres, and containment stayed at 20 percent.
Original post
The Thomas Fire grew an additional 1,000 acres Monday while containment continued to inch up, a week after winds whipped the devastating wildfire into an overnight frenzy.
The fire had burned 231,700 acres in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties as of Monday evening, with containment at 20 percent, according to Cal Fire.
Almost 6,400 fire personnel are working on the fire, which over the weekend moved closer to the communities of Montecito and Summerland and surrounding areas.
About 18,000 structures are threatened by the blaze.
The fire ignited the night of Dec. 4 near Santa Paula, about 40 miles east of Santa Barbara. The cause has not yet been determined.
To date, the fire has destroyed 794 structures, and damaged an additional 187.
Going into this week, hot, dry and windy weather could have the Thomas Fire continue burning indefinitely.
Click here for the latest information on evacuations in Ventura County. For Santa Barbara County, click here.
Kaytlyn Leslie: 805-781-7928, @kaytyleslie
This story was originally published December 11, 2017 at 8:54 PM with the headline "Thomas Fire continues to grow; containment up to 20 percent."