Publication Date December 10, 2017 | Los Angeles Times

At 230,000 acres, Thomas fire is now the fifth largest wildfire in modern California history

United States

Santa Barbara County was under siege from the Thomas fire Sunday as fire crews fought to keep the destructive blaze from the region's picturesque beach communities.

Authorities said the out-of-control blaze had scorched 230,000 acres by Sunday evening, making it the fifth largest wildfire in modern California history.