Calm Winds Aid Firefighters in Making Progress on California Fire

Crews are using a break in winds to do a controlled burn to remove dry brush and build containment lines around Southern California’s Thomas Fire.

Fire spokesman Capt. Rick Crawford said Tuesday that officials will remove fuels on the fire’s northern edge so if winds start up again Wednesday “there’ll be nothing left to burn.”

The blaze northwest of Los Angeles is now considered the third largest in state history and has destroyed some 1,000 structures. It’s 50 percent contained. Some evacuations were lifted Monday and Crawford says more residents are being allowed to return Tuesday.

Homes are still threatened in parts of Santa Barbara County, where firefighters plan an air attack on flames.

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