California coast battles massive wildfire

Firefighters knock down flames as they advance on homes atop Shepherd Mesa Road in Carpinteria, California on Dec. 10, 2017.

A flare-up on the western edge of Southern California's largest and most destructive wildfire sent residents fleeing Sunday, as wind-fanned flames churned through canyons and down hillsides toward coastal towns.

Read: New evacuations ordered as California wildfires whip across region

Firefighters move away from a burning house after discovering downed live power lines near Carpinteria.

The Thomas Fire is only 15 percent contained, now threatening the city of Santa Barbara and the nearby coastal town of Carpinteria, making it one of the worst wildfires in California history.

PHOTOS: Wildfire tears through San Diego County

A house burns near Casitas Pass Road as the Thomas Fire continues to grow.

Firefighters working on structure protection keep a close eye on nearby flames atop Shepard Mesa Road in Carpinteria.

The area has been evacuated by law enforcement and fire department has moved in to protect homes.

A tree burns as the Thomas Fire approaches Lake Casitas near Ojai, California.

A firefighter sets a backfire to make progress against the Thomas Fire before the winds return with  daylight near Lake Casitas.

Firefighters attack the Thomas Fire's north flank with backfires.

Firefighters watch after setting a backfire at night.

The sun sets under smoke filled sky caused by the Thomas Fire, a wildfire that continues to burn north of Ojai, California on Dec, 9.

CalFire works in Ventura County as efforts continue against the Thomas Fire in Ojai.

Christmas decorations illuminate a house in Carpinteria.

Flames come close to a house as the wildfire advances toward Santa Barbara County seaside communities.

As of late Sunday, the Thomas Fire had destroyed 790 structures and damaged 191.

Fire consumes utility poles in Ventura County.

A house burns near Casitas Pass Road.

US forest fire crews fight fire with fire as they set off huge backfires to cut off the northern flank of the Thomas fire near Rose Valley recreation area.

Smoke rises from the Thomas Fire in Ventura County.

Photos: Southern California wildfire devours homes as residents escape

Flames approach the gates of an expensive home as the Thomas Fire continues to grow on Dec. 12, 2017 in Montecito, California.

Surfers wear masks before entering the sea in Carpinteria.

A dolphin shaped weather vane stands atop Stearns Wharf as wildfire smoke darkens the sunrise in Santa Barbara.

Fire burns canyons and ridges above Bella Vista Drive near Romero Canyon as the fight to contain a wildfire continues in Montecito.

The fire, feeding on thick chaparral brush which hasn't burned in generations, approaches homes.

Wildfire is seen on a hillside behind a home illuminated with Christmas lights.

Flames from the fire burn in the hills of Montecito, California, east of Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara harbor is lit up by flames as wildfire burns along the coast.

Flames burn behind a decorated Christmas tree in the hills above Carpinteria.

County fire hand crew member Nikolas Abele keeps an eye on a hillside for any stray embers during a firing operation in Santa Monica Canyon in Carpinteria.