Authorities are now identifying the one known fatality in connection with the huge Thomas brush fire burning in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.
After the Wheeler Canyon area was evacuated, a woman was reported missing. On Wednesday night, the wreckage of a car was discovered. The remains of Virginia Pesola of Santa Paula were discovered at the scene.
While an investigation is still underway, an autopsy shows the 70 year old Santa Paula woman died as a result of the accident, and exposure to the fire.
