The ongoing Thomas Wildfire has turned the sky of Carpinteria, California, orange. Hardy surfers were greeted by surreal views as the sea reflected the sky, and they appeared to be rushing into an inferno. /VCG Photo

The Thomas Fire keeps spreading. Charring a huge tract of land, it may rank as the biggest blaze in California’s history. /VCG Photo

Only 15 percent of the fire has under controlled. It is threatening Santa Barbara County and the adjacent city, Carpinteria. /VCG Photo

Much of Santa Barbara is now subject to a mandatory evacuation order. /VCG Photo