California evacuation orders lifted

LOS ANGELES

Authorities have lifted evacuation orders imposed as the massive Thomas fire scorched swaths of southern California, they said on Dec. 21, as firefighters moved closer to victory over the destructive inferno.

An area of 110,000 hectares - just under half the size of Luxembourg - has been burned since the inferno broke out on Dec. 4, and firefighters are describing it as 60 percent contained.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) said a recent period of windy weather had made little impact on the fire, which has destroyed more than 1,300 structures.

“The past three days of reduced fire behavior has allowed crews to continue securing the Montecito area effectively with tactical patrol and line improvement,” it said in a statement, referring to the affluent community in Santa Barbara County that is home to numerous celebrities.     

The Santa Barbara County sheriff’s office said the evacuation orders were being lifted in the area but warned returning residents to remain alert to danger.