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Containment Up To 91% On Thomas Fire

Thursday Thomas fire map from U.S. Forest Service

Firefighters continue their efforts to close in on full containment of the massive Thomas brush fire.

The blaze is now at 91% containment, and still stands at around 281,000 acres burned in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. The focus remains on some rugged, back country areas on the northeast corner of the fire.

There are hot spots in the Bear Haven area, as well as west of Cherry Creek road. Helicopters are being used in the Bear Haven area because the terrain is so rugged. Highway 33 remains closed between Ojai and the Lockwood Valley area.

Flight restrictions which have been in effect over parts of Ventura and Santa Barbara County have been lifted, or reduced. In Santa Barbara County, all restrictions were lifted. In Ventura County, flights above 8500 feet are now permitted.

Many school districts which closed for the holiday break early because of the Thomas Fire are putting out word that they’ll be back to classes as normal on Tuesday, January 2nd.

Lance Orozco has been News Director of KCLU since 2001, providing award-winning coverage of some of the biggest news events in the region, including the Thomas and Woolsey brush fires, the deadly Montecito debris flow, the Borderline Bar and Grill attack, and Ronald Reagan's funeral. 
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