<p>Preventative fires, also known as backfires, were set in Montecito, California, on December 14, in an effort to prevent the Thomas Fire from advancing through residential areas.</p><p>The massive blaze, which has reached 252,500 acres, stands at just 35 percent contained, and has been burning through Southern California since December 4.</p><p>The preventative measures were taken the same day a Cal Fire engineer died battling the blaze</a>, leaving behind his pregnant wife and 2-year-old daughter. Credit: Mike Eliason, Santa Barbara County Fire via Storyful</p><br />
