Firefighters are able to contain 92% of the Thomas Fire across southern California. The California Fire Department is urging people to add fire drills into their New Year's resolution.
The largest wildfire in the sate history of California ignited on Dec.4 and is most likely to last until January 2018. The Thomas fire burned over 281,000 acres of land along the Ventura and Santa Barbara County. According to the latest update of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection or Cal Fire, 92% of the massive fire had been contained, and fire crews are active in monitoring its intensity. Cal Fire so far has not issued anymore Red Flag Warnings in certain areas.
The Cal Fire is working with the federal Burn Area Emergency Response team and California Watershed Emergency Response team to monitor and at the same time conduct assessment on affected areas. Fire personnel are now tending to hotspots to make sure all areas are safe. Everyone is hoping the winds remain light for the firemen to gain the upper hand.
The Fire Department in the Ventura county is in the midst of extinguishing a number of oil seep fires in the Upper Ojai area.
As of Dec. 29, 1,063 structures are destroyed and another 280 damaged. The number of lives lost remains at three, one firefighter, one patrol officer, and a civilian.
Meanwhile, Cal Fire has issued a campaign to encourage people to be familiar with the safety protocols during fire situations and incidents. The department tweeted, "This new year, make a resolution to design and practice exit drills in the home. Being prepared and proactive will ensure that you are ready for any fire or wildfire emergency and can make all the difference in keeping you and your family safe."
Cal Fire is also asking the residents to cooperate and to notify the department for any active wildfire.
