Thomas Fire grows to 238,500 acres, now 30 percent contained

»» Thursday update: The Thomas Fire is now the fourth-largest in California history

The Thomas Fire grew to 238,500 acres on Wednesday and crews were able to increase containment to 30 percent, according to an update from Cal Fire.

Since the fire began nine days ago, 930 structures have been destroyed, 202 have been damaged and 18,000 remain threatened. More than 8,000 fire personnel are working to contain the blaze burning across Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.

Cal Fire reported some positive news Wednesday evening, as the mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders and warnings were lifted south of Highway 101 to the ocean, between the Santa Barbara and Ventura county line and Highway 33.

Mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders for the City of Ventura have been lifted, as well, with the exception of the areas north of Foothill Road between Cobblestone Drive and North Kimball Road. Those areas will remain under a mandatory evacuation order, Cal Fire said.

The blaze is still threatening the communities of Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, Summerland, Montecito and surrounding areas, according to Cal Fire.

The Lilac Fire burning in San Diego County remained at 4,100 acres Wednesday, and crews increased containment to 96 percent.

The Creek Fire burning in Los Angeles County also held steady at 15,619 acres, and is 98 percent contained.

This story was originally published December 13, 2017 at 8:11 PM with the headline "Thomas Fire grows to 238,500 acres, now 30 percent contained."