Largest Wildfire in California History Finally Out, Six Months Later

The largest wildfire in California's modern history is finally out, more than six months after it first began, officials with the Los Padres National Forest announced in a press release this week.

The Thomas Fire broke out on Dec. 4, 2017 ultimately burning 281,893 acres, of which 181,333 located on Los Padres National Forest, a news release from the U.S. Forest said.

The blaze destroyed more than 1,000 structures throughout Southern California before it was 100 percent contained on January 12th. The fire, fueled by the annual hot and dry Santa Ana winds, devastated portions of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, adding to the price tag of the costliest year of wildfires in U.S. history. More than $10 billion in damage was reported as a result of last year's fire season. 

Two people were killed in the massive wildfire, including 32-year-old CAL Fire Apparatus Engineer Cory Iverson, who died Dec. 14th while battling the fire. 

It didn't end with the fire either. Heavy rains in January led to devastating mudslides in Montecito that killed another 17 people and destroyed dozens of homes. 

The Thomas Fire fire officially became California's largest on Dec. 23rd, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said according to their records which reach back to 1932. 

Officials say the work isn't over yet. Crews and equipment are now being deployed to work on repairing the roads, trails, and fences that were damaged by the fire and firefighting efforts.  

In the weeks and months ahead, Los Padres National Forest will continue working with local groups, partners and stakeholders to develop a strategic approach to repair trails that were damaged in the fire and subsequent rain events. To learn more about how you can volunteer, call the Los Padres Supervisor’s Office at (805) 968-6640.

Photo: Getty Images