Thomas fire in Ventura County burns more than 48 square miles, 150 structures

SANTA PAULA — Ferocious winds in Southern California whipped up an explosive wildfire that prompted evacuation orders for nearly 8,000 homes, authorities said.
The blaze broke out Monday and grew wildly to more than 48 square miles (124 sq. kilometers) in the hours that followed, consuming vegetation that hasn’t burned in decades, Ventura County Fire Sgt. Eric Buschow said.
THOMAS FIRE: Here’s what you need to know about the Ventura County blaze
At least 150 structures have bur