Thomas Fire Now 40% Contained As Firefighters Mourn Loss

VENTURA COUNTY, CA -- Firefighters gained ground on the third largest wildfire in California history as they mourned the loss of a colleague. As of Saturday morning, the Thomas Fire in Ventura County stood at 259,000 acres and was 40 percent contained.

The fire, which sparked 11 days ago in the city of Santa Paula, took the life of Cal Fire engineer Cory Iverson of Escondido. The 32-year-old, who worked for the agency since 2009, was killed in Fillmore, officials said. Details on his death were not released.

Another victim of the Thomas Fire was 70-year-old Virginia Pesola who died in the city of Ventura.

The fast-growing fire spread through two counties, pushed by strong Santa Ana winds, destroying more than 1,000 homes along its path and damaging another 240.

More than 8,000 firefighters from throughout the country stayed on the line Saturday as the blaze scorched on. Officials said 18,000 structures remain threatened.

--Photo: Firefighters light backfire while trying to keep a wildfire from jumping Santa Ana Road near Ventura, Calif., on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)