 On December 18, firefighters began a large firing operation north of the Thomas Fire, south of Route 33, in order to clear away excess brush, and to attempt to control the Thomas Fire's northward expansion.Firefighters hoped that the winds would push the control fires southward, away from the highway and towards the main body of the Thomas Fire.Fire officials stated that the control burns could scorch up to , before they connect with the main portion of the Thomas Fire.