 On December 23, fire growth paused, and containment of the wildfire was brought up to 70%.By the evening of the same day, firefighters had completed firing operations near the northwestern flank of the Thomas Fire, with no more planned for the time being.However, on December 24, the Thomas Fire grew to , after the fires from the back-burning operations completely merged into the Thomas Fire, though containment of the wildfire also increased to 86%.