California wildfire continues to spread as firefighters mourn colleague’s death

The so-called Thomas Fire, the fourth-largest in California history, was 35% contained last night after sweeping across 400 square miles since it erupted on December 4.

Calming winds yesterday gave US firefighters a chance to gain ground against a huge wildfire in coastal mountains north-west of Los Angeles but the blaze continued to surge west, endangering thousands of homes, as forecasts predicted more gusty winds.

The so-called Thomas Fire, the fourth-largest in California history, was 35% contained last night after sweeping across 400 square miles (about 1,036 sq km) of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties since it erupted on December 4.