More evacuation orders lifted as Thomas Fire approaches 272,000 acres
As firefighters continue to battle the Thomas Fire, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday lifted a mandatory evacuation order for all areas north of Highway 192 to East Camino Cielo in between Ladera Lane and Cravens Lane. That ordered also included Toro Canyon.
In addition, the evacuation order has been changed to a evacuation warning for the areas north of Highway 192 to East Camino Cielo inbetween Highway 154 and North Ontare Road.
Despite progress in containing the blaze, the Thomas Fire is rapidly approaching becoming the second-largest wildfire in modern California state history, replacing the 271,991-acre Rush Fire in 2012.
The Thomas Fire has consumed 271,750 acres and is 50 percent contained, according to a statement from Cal Fire.
The fire has damaged 250 structures, destroyed 1,024 more, and continues to threaten an estimated 18,000 structures. More than 8,000 firefighters are battling the wildfire, with hundreds of fire engines and dozens of helicopters assisting.
Andrew Sheeler: 805-781-7934, @andrewsheeler
This story was originally published December 19, 2017 at 1:49 PM with the headline "More evacuation orders lifted as Thomas Fire approaches 272,000 acres."