Thomas fire becomes largest wildfire in California’s history

The Thomas fire, which has torn through Ventura and Santa Barbara counties in recent weeks, has become California’s largest in recorded history, officials announced Friday.

The fire has burned some 273,400 acres of land, including forests and buildings, in Southern California, according to The Associated Press — making it 154 acres larger than the deadly Cedar fire in San Diego in 2003.

The Thomas fire barreled through much of Ventura County before spreading into Santa Barbara County, fueled by warm, dry winds.

{mosads}

The fire burned hundreds of homes and prompted mass evacuations. The fire is now 65 percent contained, according to the AP.

Conditions have improved in recent days, with cooler, more-humid weather lessening the threat to homes and other buildings.

The Thomas fire was just one of a series of wildfires that burned in Southern California in December, though it was the largest. 

Earlier this year, wildfires engulfed wine country in Northern California, consuming more than 100,000 acres and prompting thousands of people to evacuate.