Thomas Fire Battle Continues in Santa Barbara, Montecito As Twitter Reacts
Firefighters continued struggling today against the massive Thomas Fire, now the third-largest in California history.
Nearly 8,500 firefighters continue to battle the blaze, which has destroyed more than 1,000 structures and burned 269,500 acres so far. That’s an area larger than New York City.
The fires are concentrated near the celebrity havens of Montecito and Santa Barbara, with more than 100,000 people evacuated and damages to date estimated at $116 million. The fire is only 40 percent contained and may not be out until next month, according to reports. At least two deaths, including one firefighter, have been attributed to the Thomas Fire.
Celebrities and civilians alike are threatened by the blaze, as are the animals at the Santa Barbara Zoo, where officials prepared to move their charges if conditions bring the fires closer. Wind conditions have eased some, but continued dry weather isn’t helping firefighters get a strong handle on the fire.
Many celebrities with homes in the area checked in via Twitter:
From a friend in Santa Barbara: “… Jim says a friend talked to a fireman this morning who said that had the winds not calmed down last night, the fire might very well have burned out the entire city of Santa Barbara, a community of 90,000 people.” #GodBlessTheFirefighters
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) December 17, 2017
Most of the California wildfires are under control, but the Thomas Fire is still raging https://t.co/cOqiV1cf45 via @HuffPost
— ROSIE (@Rosie) December 16, 2017
So in awe of all the firefighters for the Thomas Fire in Santa Barbara. These men and women are brave, committed and caring. Thank you.
— Rita Wilson (@RitaWilson) December 17, 2017
I don't know what stressing me out more… all of the lies coming from Fox News and Trump or the fact that the Thomas Fire is only three blocks from my house in Montecito. pic.twitter.com/VwCCZkYwcM
— Billy Baldwin (@BillyBaldwin) December 17, 2017
God bless every firefighter and their families. fighting 3 weeks straight. still going. Imagine their exhaustion!#ThomasFire
— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) December 17, 2017
Evacuated 10 days ago. Smoke was so bad for breathing. Dogs are in Palo Alto.
— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) December 17, 2017
Related stories
Rob Lowe Helps & Feeds Firefighters Battling Wildfire Near His Montecito Home
Get more from Deadline.com: Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Newsletter
