Story highlights Thomas Fire is the third-largest wildfire in California historyIt has burned 269,000 acres and is still growing(CNN) Jeannette Frescas was not concerned about the Thomas Fire until the massive blaze reached her neighborhood in Ventura, California. Like many residents, Frescas was caught off guard by the fire that has roared across Southern California for 13 days. "What was once a paradise was like a war zone," Frescas said of her apartment complex, which was destroyed by the blaze. Ventura resident Patricia Rye woke up to her son-in-law pounding on her door. She didn't get a chance to pack any valuables, and fled her home of 17 years in the dead of the night.

Source: CNN December 17, 2017 11:40 UTC