Lou Cannon, RealClearPolitics
SUMMERLAND, Calif.–As the largest forest fire in California’s history slowly burns itself out in the remote reaches of the Los Padres National Forest, residents of Santa Barbara County are breathing a collective sigh of relief.The Thomas Fire, which began on December 4 near tiny Thomas Aquinas College in the town of Santa Paula, has consumed 282,000 acres, about 440 square miles. It forced evacuation of thousands of residents in Santa Barbara, Carpenteria, Montecito and Summerland, the small coastal community where my wife and I live. Most evacuees, including us, are back home now and…
Source: Real Clear Politics