Firefighters are gaining the upper hand against the largest wildfire in California history. Cal Fire and residents recently mourned the death of another public servant.
The Thomas Fire engulfed over 281,000 acres of land after it ignited during the first week of December. The wildfire has been recorded as the largest wildfire in California, even bigger than the Cedar Fire back in 2003.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection or Cal Fire are still active in fully extinguishing the massive blaze. The firemen were able to decrease the fire's momentum on Christmas day. On Dec. 24, only 70 percent of the fire was contained, but the covered area soared to 86 percent on the next day. Firefighters are now cautious in taking out the fire little by little and making sure it does not expand further.
With 89 percent of the fire covered, Cal Fire is still issuing Red Flag Warnings to fully monitor the movement of the fire. Just before Christmas Day, the fire department announced a warning alerting people living within the areas of Tulare, Kern, and San Bernardino counties due to low humidity.
Three deaths had been reported after Thomas fire ignited on Dec. 4. One firefighter and a civilian lost their lives to the fire. The cause of death of the third individual is not fire related. California Highway Patrol officer Andrew Camilleri was killed in the line of duty before Christmas Day. Camilleri was aboard his police vehicle when another motorist struck him. The suspect was believed to have been under the influence of marijuana and alcohol. The 33-year-old officer left behind his wife and three children.
During an interview with East Bay Times, Camilleri's mother, Sharon, said his kids will open the gifts before their mother, Rosanna, breaks the news.
Residents of Tracy, California, where Camilleri resided, offered their prayers and support to the family. Cal Fire also issued a statement on Twitter to honor the late officer. "Our hearts are with our law enforcement partners @CHP_HQ and the loved ones of @CHP_GoldenGate Officer Andrew Camilleri," Cal Fire tweeted.
