The Thomas Fire is now the largest in California's recorded history

Southern California's Thomas Fire became the state's largest wildfire in recorded history Friday night, state officials said. The blaze has now burned 273,400 acres, which is about 427 square miles, and has destroyed more than 1,000 structures. One firefighter was killed fighting the fire, which is now 65 percent contained.

Nearly 3,000 firefighters are still battling the Thomas Fire around the clock and are expected to continue to do so until at least early January, depending on weather conditions. Firefighters' worst case scenario would see the Thomas Fire going through downtown Santa Barbara.

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