'This is the new normal'

THE DAY

A flare-up on the western edge of Southern California’s largest and most destructive wildfire sent residents fleeing Sunday. Crews saved several homes as gusts sent the blaze churning deeper into areas northwest of Los Angeles that haven’t burned in decades. Firefighters have made significant progress on other fronts. Containment was improving on other major blazes in Los Angeles, Riverside and San Diego counties.

THE TOLL

The Thomas Fire, in a coastal region northwest of Los Angeles, remained the state’s largest active wildfire, having burned through 170,000 acres and taking with it more than 500 buildings and at least one life. Further north, residents of Santa Barbara County were facing the wrath of the fire. About 85,000 households were without power, and authorities were ordering people in beach communities to evacuate.

WHAT’S NEXT

Forecasters said Santa Ana winds that whipped fires across the region last week would continue at least through tonight. A lack of rain has state officials on edge. “This is the new normal,” Gov. Jerry Brown warned over the weekend. “We’re about ready to have firefighting at Christmas.” High fire risk is expected to last into January and the governor and experts said climate change is making it a year-round threat.

MARCUS YAM/LOS ANGELES TIMES Fire crews provide structure protection in a Southern California neighborhood Sunday as the Thomas Fire raged out of control again overnight in Carpinteria. Article, A4