The fourth-largest fire in California history grew overnight to 252,500 acres as hot, dry winds continued to fan the flames, though crews managed to increase containment slightly to 35 percent.
The Thomas Fire has raged for 11 days in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, destroying at least 700 homes, forcing thousands to evacuate and on Thursday claiming the life of a San Diego firefighter.
Cal Fire engineer Cory Iverson, 32, died while he was on the fire line. Officials have not released any further details about the circumstances of his death. Iverson is survived by his 2-year-old daughter and his wife, who is expecting their second child.
Cal Fire's Scott McLean said Iverson's death was devastating.