California hellfire rises in Ventura and reaches Santa Barbara Counties

John Gomez, Contributor

California’s most recent Fire storm, Thomas, has risen from Ventura and extends to Santa Barbara Counties and is now placed in the record books as fifth most largest storm in California history.

The fire storm has recently destroyed one-thousand structures and counting. But according to CNN Meteorologist Taylor Ward, Ventura County and surrounding areas are under fire outlooks through Tuesday. Temperatures  will remain in the upper 70’s and 80’s for the rest of the week, due to the humidity laying low.

Warnings for much of Los Angeles and Ventura had been extended through Monday evening according to the National Weather Service. Elevated fire weather conditions are expected due to gusty winds and low humidity.

Ninety four thousand six hundred and seven people are under mandatory evacuation orders in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties Sunday evening, Ventura County sheriff Captain Garo Kuredjian told CNN.

The death toll from Thomas stands at one. Authorities believe 70 year-old Virginia Pesola, of Santa Paula died in a car crash while fleeing the fire. Her body was found Wednesday.

The Thomas fire inferno has destroyed more than 230,000 acres as of Monday morning and was about 15% contained. It started December 4th in Ventura County and has since spread into neighboring Santa Barbara County. The Thomas fire has already destroyed more than 790 structures, Ventura County sheriff Captain Garo Kuredjian told CNN. The costs of fighting the blaze have topped $34 million.