Thomas fire, cause of deadly mudslides, is finally 100 percent contained
A motorists on Highway 101 watches flames from the Thomas fire leap above the roadway north of Ventura, Calif., on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017. The fire, which led to deadly mudslides in Montecito, was officially deemed 100 percent contained on Friday, Jan. 12, 2018. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)
The huge wildfire that led to this week’s devastating debris flows in Montecito is finally 100 percent contained.
The U.S. Forest Service made the announcement Friday after aerial surveys of the 440-square-mile scar left by the Thomas fire.
The fire erupted Dec. 4 in Ventura County, destroying hundreds of homes before it spread into Santa Barbara County and threatened more communities, including Montecito.
It continued to smolder before a drenching Pacific storm hit bare hills and mountains this week, unleashing debris-laden flash floods that swept away homes and killed at least 17 people.
The Thomas fire was the largest wildfire in recorded California history.
