Photos and video show terrifying spread of California's Thomas Fire

As wildfires continue to blaze throughout Southern California, displacing residents and destroying buildings, terrifying images and videos show firefighters struggling to battle the historically large Thomas Fire.

As of Monday morning, the fire had grown to 230,500 acres, and spread from Ventura County into Santa Barbara County. Ventura County's crisis center reports that the fire is 15 percent contained.

The fire's flames are being fed by strong Santa Ana winds and plenty of fuel in the form of dried out plant life that grew after a wet winter and subsequently dried out after a dry summer in the state.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

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Firefighters have made progress quenching the flames on the fire's southern side, and City of Ventura residents have been allowed to return to their homes.

However, the fire's latest drive north into Santa Barbara has triggered additional evacuations in Carpinteria and Montecito.

Flames come close to a house as the Thomas Fire advances toward Santa Barbara County seaside communities. Credit: David McNew/Getty Images

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A firefighter battling the Thomas Fire near Lake Casitas. Credit: David McNew/Getty Images

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Firefighters use drip torches to set a backfire at night in an effort to make progress against the Thomas Fire. Credit: David McNew/Getty Images

According to the Los Angeles Times, 88,000 people have had to evacuate their homes, and the cost of fighting the fire is estimated at $25 million.

The Thomas Fire continues to rage as firefighters also work to contain the Creek, Rye, Skirball, and Lilac fires in Los Angeles and San Diego counties.

Firefighters watch after setting a backfire at night to make progress against the Thomas Fire, Credit: David McNew/Getty Images

The Thomas fire burns through Los Padres National Forest. Credit: Noah Berger/AP/REX/Shutterstock

Horses that were evacuated from the Thomas Fire are seen on December 10, 2017 in Ojai, California. Credit: David McNew/Getty Images

Firefighters monitor a section of the Thomas Fire along the 101 freeway. Credit: Mario Tama/Getty Images

California Governor Jerry Brown called the fires a "terrible tragedy," and also warned that, thanks to climate change, massive wildfire seasons could become the norm.

“This could be something that happens every year or every few years,” Brown said. “We’re about to have a firefighting Christmas.”

DEC 10: Christmas decorations illuminate a house as the growing Thomas Fire advances toward Santa Barbara County. Credit: David McNew/Getty Images

DEC 10:: People watch as the Thomas Fire advances toward Santa Barbara County. Credit: David McNew/Getty Images

Celebrities like Ellen Degeneres and Oprah Winfrey, who live in the area, have tweeted their support for those in the path of the fires.

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Schools remain closed, and the University of California, Santa Barbara has postponed exams until after the new year.

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8,500 firefighters are battling six wildfires across Southern California. Along with the massive wildfires that ravaged Northern California wine country this fall, 2017 has made for one of the worst fire seasons in California's history.

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National Guard helicopters make water drop as the Thomas Fire approaches the Lake Casitas. Credit: David McNew/Getty Images

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