The wildfires that are currently blazing out of control in Southern California have grown to a massive level, collectively scorching an area that's larger than the cities of New York and Boston combined.
Thomas Fire, the largest of the six active wildfires in the region, has covered over 230,500 acres one week after it started as a brush fire near Ventura, California on Dec. 4. As of Monday, the fire has only been 15 percent contained.
The blaze has destroyed nearly 800 structures and has grown to become the fifth largest wildfire in the modern history of California. Currently, it is threatening Carpinteria, Summerland, Montecito and other districts north of Los Angeles.
Over 200,000 people have evacuated their homes since the wildfires started last week. Only one person has been confirmed to have died, 70-year old Virginia Pesola, who perished when her car crashed as she tried to flee from fire-affected areas.
Southern California firefighters have been more successful in controlling the five other fires.
Creek Fire, the second largest blaze, which started in Los Angeles County on Dec. 5, has burned over 15,000 acres and has been 95 percent contained.
Rye Fire, another blaze which ignited around the same time and in the same area as Creek Fire, affected over 6,000 acres but is now 93 percent contained.
The southernmost fire, Lilac Fire, began in San Diego County on Thursday It has scorched over 4,000 acres and is currently 80 percent contained.
Skirball Fire, which started just north of Brentwood on Wednesday, has affected more than 400 acres of land and is now 85 percent contained.
Lastly, Liberty Fire in Riverside County has destroyed 300 acres since Thursday. It has been 100 percent contained, but authorities are still monitoring it due to a forecasted increase in winds in the vicinity.
Overall, the fires are being battled by more than 6,000 firefighters, over 750 fire engines, 30 helicopters, 60 dozers and 41 water tenders.
