Kyle Grillot, AFP/Getty ImagesThe Thomas Fire burns along a hillside near Santa Paula, California, on Dec. 5, 2017. More than a thousand firefighters were struggling to contain a wind-whipped brush fire in southern California on December 5 that has left at least one person dead, sent thousands fleeing, and was choking the area with thick black smoke.
Noah Berger, The Associated PressPaul Mattesich hands a jar to his wife Erica Mattesich while sifting through rubble at his family's Ventura, Calif., home following a wildfire on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017.
Mark Ralston, AFP/Getty ImagesHeavy smoke covers the seaside enclave of Mondos Beach beside the 101 highway as flames reach the coast during the Thomas wildfire near Ventura, California on Dec. 6, 2017. California motorists commuted past a blazing inferno Wednesday as wind-whipped wildfires raged across the Los Angeles region, with flames triggering the closure of a major freeway and mandatory evacuations in an area dotted with mansions.
Noah Berger, The Associated PressBree Laubacher pauses while sifting through rubble at her Ventura, Calif., home following a wildfire on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017. A barbecue smoker and her son's batting cage survived the blaze.
Kyle Grillot, AFP/Getty ImagesA house is threatened by wildfire along Linda Flora Drive during the Skirball Fire in Los Angeles, California, Dec. 6, 2017. The "Skirball" fire ignited before 5 a.m. (1300 GMT) and quickly engulfed some 50 acres, with forecasters predicting the 25-mile-per-hour winds could cause further spreading, threatening multi-million dollar homes and the acclaimed Getty Center museum.
Kyle Grillot, AFP/Getty ImagesA firefighter opens a gate to investigate a house threatened by the Creek Fire burns along a hillside near homes in the Shadow Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, California on Dec. 5, 2017. More than a thousand firefighters were struggling to contain a wind-whipped brush fire in southern California on December 5 that has left at least one person dead, sent thousands fleeing, and was choking the area with thick black smoke.
Mark Ralston, AFP/Getty ImagesJohn and Julie Wilson sort through the remnants of their burnt out home after the Thomas wildfire swept through Ventura, California on Dec. 6, 2017. California motorists commuted past a blazing inferno Wednesday as wind-whipped wildfires raged across the Los Angeles region, with flames triggering the closure of a major freeway and mandatory evacuations in an area dotted with mansions.
Kyle Grillot, AFP/Getty ImagesThe Creek Fire burns behind a ranch gate in the Shadow Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, on Dec. 5, 2017. More than a thousand firefighters were struggling to contain a wind-whipped brush fire in southern California on December 5 that has left at least one person dead, sent thousands fleeing, and was choking the area with thick black smoke.
Mark Ralston, AFP/Getty ImagesA firefighter hoses down flareups at the two story Hawaiian Village Apartment complex that burnt to the ground during the Thomas wildfire in Ventura, California on Dec. 5, 2017. Firefighters battled a wind-whipped brush fire in southern California that has left at least one person dead, destroyed more than 150 homes and businesses and forced tens of thousands to flee.
David McNew, Getty ImagesRanch hand Anthony Martin hoses down smoldering stalls where some of the 29 horses were killed by the Creek Fire at Rancho Padilla on Dec. 6, 2017 near Sylmar, California. Strong Santa Ana winds are pushing multiple wildfires across the region, expanding across tens of thousands of acres and destroying hundreds of homes and structures.
Mark Ralston, AFP/Getty ImagesA wall stands in the burnt out Vista del Mar Hospital after the Thomas wildfire swept through Ventura, California on Dec. 6, 2017. California motorists commuted past a blazing inferno Wednesday as wind-whipped wildfires raged across the Los Angeles region, with flames triggering the closure of a major freeway and mandatory evacuations in an area dotted with mansions.
David McNew, Getty ImagesA burned classic car is seen in Little Tujunga Canyon during the Creek Fire on Dec. 6, 2017 near Sylmar, California. Strong Santa Ana winds are pushing multiple wildfires across the region, expanding across tens of thousands of acres and destroying hundreds of homes and structures.
Mark Ralston, AFP/Getty ImagesA woman involved in a traffic accident waits to get towed beside a wall of flames on the 101 highway during the Thomas wildfire near Ventura, California on Dec. 6, 2017. California motorists commuted past a blazing inferno Wednesday as wind-whipped wildfires raged across the Los Angeles region, with flames triggering the closure of a major freeway and mandatory evacuations in an area dotted with mansions.
Noah Berger, The Associated PressPaul and Erica Mattesich embrace before sifting through rubble at their Ventura, Calif., home on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017. The family lost their house when the Thomas fire tore through their neighborhood on Colina Vista.
Robyn Beck, AFP/Getty ImagesA Bel Aire mansion threatened by the Skirball Fire in west Los Angeles, California, Dec. 6, 2017. California motorists commuted past a blazing inferno Wednesday as wind-whipped wildfires raged across the Los Angeles region, with flames triggering the closure of a major freeway and mandatory evacuations in an area dotted with mansions.
Ryan Cullom, Ventura County Fire Department via The Associated PressIn this photo provided by the Ventura County Fire Department, firefighters work to put out a blaze burning homes early Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017, in Ventura, Calif. Authorities said the blaze broke out Monday and grew wildly in the hours that followed, consuming vegetation that hasn't burned in decades.
Chris Carlson, The Associated PressA resident flees a wildfire in the Lake View Terrace area of Los Angeles Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017. Ferocious winds in Southern California have whipped up explosive wildfires, burning a psychiatric hospital and scores of other structures.
Mark Ralston, AFP/Getty ImagesFirefighters try to knock down a burning house during the Thomas wildfire in Ventura, California on December 5, 2017. Firefighters battled a wind-whipped brush fire in southern California that has left at least one person dead, destroyed more than 150 homes and businesses and forced tens of thousands to flee. / AFP PHOTO / MARK RALSTONMARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images
Ringo Chiu, AFP/Getty ImagesA firefighter battles a wildfire as it burns along a hillside near homes in Santa Paula, California, on Dec. 5, 2017. Fast-moving, wind-fueled brush fire exploded to about 10,000 acres in Ventura County Monday night, forcing hundreds of people to flee their homes, officials said.
Mark Ralston, AFP/Getty ImagesFirefighters try to save a house during the Thomas wildfire in Ventura, California on Dec. 5, 2017. Firefighters battled a wind-whipped brush fire in southern California that has left at least one person dead, destroyed more than 150 homes and businesses and forced tens of thousands to flee.
Mark Ralston, AFP/Getty ImagesA house burns during the Thomas wildfire in Ventura, California on Dec. 5, 2017. Firefighters battled a wind-whipped brush fire in southern California that has left at least one person dead, destroyed more than 150 homes and businesses and forced tens of thousands to flee.
Ringo Chiu, AFP/Getty ImagesA firefighter battles a wildfire as it burns along a hillside near homes in Santa Paula, California, on Dec. 5, 2017. Fast-moving, wind-fueled brush fire exploded to about 10,000 acres in Ventura County Monday night, forcing hundreds of people to flee their homes, officials said.
Mark Ralston, AFP/Getty ImagesA burnt out car and house is seen during the Thomas wildfire in Ventura, California on December 5, 2017. Firefighters battled a wind-whipped brush fire in southern California that has left at least one person dead, destroyed more than 150 homes and businesses and forced tens of thousands to flee. / AFP PHOTO / MARK RALSTONMARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images
Mark Ralston, AFP/Getty ImagesFirefighters battle strong winds as they try to save a house during the Thomas wildfire in Ventura, California on Dec. 5, 2017. Firefighters battled a wind-whipped brush fire in southern California that has left at least one person dead, destroyed more than 150 homes and businesses and forced tens of thousands to flee.
Mark Ralston, AFP/Getty ImagesFirefighters try to knock down a burning house during the Thomas wildfire in Ventura, California on Dec. 5, 2017. Firefighters battled a wind-whipped brush fire in southern California that has left at least one person dead, destroyed more than 150 homes and businesses and forced tens of thousands to flee.
Noah Berger, The Associated PressJames and Josie Ralstin carry belongings from their Ventura, Calif., home as flames from a wildfire consume another residence on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017. The couple evacuated early Tuesday morning as the fire approached, but returned to retrieve medications and other property.
Jae C. Hong, The Associated PressFlames rise as a home is consumed by a wildfire Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017, in Ventura, Calif.
Noah Berger, The Associated PressFlames consume a home on Via Arroyo as a wildfire rages in Ventura, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017.
Noah Berger, The Associated PressJames and Josie Ralstin carry belongings from their Ventura, Calif., home on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017. The couple evacuated early Tuesday morning as a wildfire approached, but returned to retrieve medications and other property.
Jae Hong, The Associated PressFlames rise near a home as a wildfire burns in Ventura, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017. Ferocious winds in Southern California have whipped up explosive wildfires, burning a psychiatric hospital and scores of other structures.
Ringo Chiu, AFP/Getty ImagesA firefighter battles a wildfire as it burns along a hillside near homes in Santa Paula, California, on Dec. 5, 2017. Fast-moving, wind-fueled brush fire exploded to about 10,000 acres in Ventura County Monday night, forcing hundreds of people to flee their homes, officials said.
Jae Hong, The Associated PressFlames rise near a home as a wildfire burns in Ventura, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017. Ferocious winds in Southern California have whipped up explosive wildfires, burning a psychiatric hospital and scores of other structures.
Noah Berger, The Associated PressFlames consume a home on Via Arroyo as a wildfire rages in Ventura, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017.
Noah Berger, The Associated PressFlames consume vehicles as a wildfire rages in Ventura, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017.
Chris Carlson, The Associated PressHomeowner Alan Barnard walks past the remains of his RV from a wildfire in the Lake View Terrace area of Los Angeles on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017.
Noah Berger, The Associated PressA man watches flames consume a residence as a wildfire rages in Ventura, Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017. Ferocious winds in Southern California have whipped up explosive wildfires, burning a psychiatric hospital and scores of other structures.
Ringo Chiu, AFP/Getty ImagesA man waters his home as firefighters battle a wildfire as it burns along a hillside near homes in Santa Paula, California, on Dec. 5, 2017. Fast-moving, wind-fueled brush fire exploded to about 10,000 acres in Ventura County Monday night, forcing hundreds of people to flee their homes, officials said.
Ringo Chiu, AFP/Getty ImagesA man prepares to evacuate his home as a wildfire burns along a hillside near homes in Santa Paula, California, on Dec. 5, 2017. Fast-moving, wind-fueled brush fire exploded to about 10,000 acres in Ventura County Monday night, forcing hundreds of people to flee their homes, officials said.
Ringo Chiu, AFP/Getty ImagesFirefighters battle a wildfire as it burns along a hillside near homes in Santa Paula, California, on Dec. 5, 2017. Fast-moving, wind-fueled brush fire exploded to about 10,000 acres in Ventura County Monday night, forcing hundreds of people to flee their homes, officials said.
Noah Berger, The Associated PressA burning ember flies through the air as winds fan a wildfire in Ventura, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017.
Ringo Chiu, AFP/Getty ImagesA firefighter battles a wildfire as it burns along a hillside near homes in Santa Paula, California, on December 5, 2017. Fast-moving, wind-fueled brush fire exploded to about 10,000 acres in Ventura County Monday night, forcing hundreds of people to flee their homes, officials said. / AFP PHOTO / RINGO CHIURINGO CHIU/AFP/Getty Images
Ringo Chiu, AFP/Getty ImagesA firefighter battles a wildfire as it burns along a hillside near homes in Santa Paula, California, on December 5, 2017. Fast-moving, wind-fueled brush fire exploded to about 10,000 acres in Ventura County Monday night, forcing hundreds of people to flee their homes, officials said. / AFP PHOTO / RINGO CHIURINGO CHIU/AFP/Getty Images
Ringo Chiu, AFP/Getty ImagesA man waters his home as firefighters battle a wildfire as it burns along a hillside near homes in Santa Paula, California, on Dec. 5, 2017. Fast-moving, wind-fueled brush fire exploded to about 10,000 acres in Ventura County Monday night, forcing hundreds of people to flee their homes, officials said.
Ringo Chiu, AFP/Getty ImagesA woman evacuates her home as a wildfire burns along a hillside near homes in Santa Paula, California, on Dec. 5, 2017. Fast-moving, wind-fueled brush fire exploded to about 10,000 acres in Ventura County Monday night, forcing hundreds of people to flee their homes, officials said.
Ringo Chiu, AFP/Getty ImagesTOPSHOT - Firefighters battle a wildfire as it burns along a hillside near homes in Santa Paula, California, on Dec. 5, 2017. Fast-moving, wind-fueled brush fire exploded to about 10,000 acres in Ventura County Monday night, forcing hundreds of people to flee their homes, officials said.
Noah Berger, The Associated PressSmoke rises behind a leveled apartment complex as a wildfire burns in Ventura, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017. Over 100 structures have burned so far in Ventura County, officials said.
Ringo Chiu, AFP/Getty ImagesFirefighters battle a wildfire as it burns along a hillside near homes in Santa Paula, California, on Dec. 5, 2017. Fast-moving, wind-fueled brush fire exploded to about 10,000 acres in Ventura County Monday night, forcing hundreds of people to flee their homes, officials said.
Noah Berger, The Associated PressMike Eliason, a public information officer with Santa Barbara County Fire, passes a burning home as a wildfire rages in Ventura, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017.
Jae C. Hong, The Associated PressA man rides his bike past a home consumed by a wildfire Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017, in Ventura, Calif.
Mark Ralston, AFP/Getty ImagesMichael and Vonea McQuillam stand beside their house that was burnt to the ground during the Thomas wildfire in Ventura, California on Dec. 5, 2017. Firefighters battled a wind-whipped brush fire in southern California that has left at least one person dead, destroyed more than 150 homes and businesses and forced tens of thousands to flee.
Kyle Grillot, AFP/Getty Images
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The Thomas Fire burns along a hillside near Santa Paula, California, on Dec. 5, 2017.
More than a thousand firefighters were struggling to contain a wind-whipped brush fire in southern California on December 5 that has left at least one person dead, sent thousands fleeing, and was choking the area with thick black smoke.
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By Glen Barber | The Denver Post
PUBLISHED: | UPDATED:
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VENTURA, Calif. — For second time in two months, wind-driven fires tore through California communities in the middle of the night, leaving rows of homes and a psychiatric hospital in ruins Tuesday, December 5, 2017 and sending tens of thousands of people fleeing for their lives.
There were no immediate reports of any deaths or serious injuries in the blazes burning in Southern California’s Ventura County, on the edge of Los Angeles and in inland San Bernardino County.
