Thomas Fire: All Santa Barbara County evacuation orders lifted

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KABC) -- All evacuation orders for Santa Barbara County were lifted Thursday morning, according to the county's office of emergency management.

Evacuated residents were asked to pick up their animals from shelters before returning home.

The OEM also asked residents to exercise safety precautions once back home. As you walk around your property, check for fire or fire damage.

Hot embers may be seen in rain gutters, on the roof and under overhangs, under decks and in crawl spaces.

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Officials asked that residents check for trees, brush, rocks and debris. Trees may be weakened or destroyed as result of the fire. Also be on the lookout for utility poles, which may be weakened.

If your services are off, check for burned service equipment and facilities. If there is visible damage, don't attempt to repair or turn on these services. Instead, call your local utility companies.

Firefighters have been working to stay ahead of the massive fire, as they battle more winds that returned Thursday.

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The fire has only grown 200 acres since Wednesday, standing at 272,200 acres. It is the second largest wildfire in California history.

The calmer winds earlier in the week allowed firefighters to get the flames 60 percent contained.

For questions, residents were asked to please call the Thomas Fire Information Help Line at 805-681-5542.