<p>A brush fire in Ventura County grew to 26,000 acres with no perimeter containment in the early hours of December 5, the Ventura County Fire Department said</a>.</p><p>Local media reported</a> that one person had died as a result of the blaze, known as the Thomas Fire.</p><p>It was first reported at around 6:25 pm</a> and was said to be moving at a “rapid rate,” according to the Ventura County Fire Department</a>.</p><p>Road closures</a> were reported and more than 1,000 homes</a> were evacuated under a mandatory order.</p><p>Strong winds in the area, recorded at 43 mph with gusts over 60 mph</a>, fueled the fire. Credit: Facebook/Travis Simmons via Storyful</p><br />
