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Crews are using a break in winds to do a controlled burn to remove dry brush and build containment lines around Southern California’s Thomas Fire.

Fire spokesman Capt. Rick Crawford said Tuesday that officials will remove fuels on the fire’s northern edge so if winds start up again Wednesday “there’ll be nothing left to burn.”

The blaze northwest of Los Angeles is now considered the third largest in state history and has destroyed some 1,000 structures. It’s 50 percent contained. Some evacuations were lifted Monday and Crawford says more residents are being allowed to return Tuesday.

Homes are still threatened in parts of Santa Barbara County, where firefighters plan an air attack on flames.

Related:

• Homeowners Fear Losing Insurance in Midst of California Fires
• California’s Thomas Fire Now Third Largest in State History
• Farmers Reports $1.2B in Claims from Northern California Wildfires
• Winds Kick up Fire Threat from California Wildfires
• Wind Threat Remains as Crews Gain on Huge California Wildfire

Topics California Wildfire