Crew from Security Fire Department in California helping fight the Thomas Fire

A southern Colorado fire crew is in California helping to battle the Thomas Fire, which is now the third-largest wildfire in modern California history.

These are photos from the Security Fire Department Wildland Team on the ground working on the massive fire.

According to the Security Fire Protection District’s website, career firefighters meet the basic certification for wildland firefighting, but a select roster go beyond their normal job description to excel in this skill set to meet the Wildland Team.

Since the year 2000, members have deployed to many assignments through out the country.

Fueled by high winds, the massive fire north of Ventura has burned 259,000 acres, Cal Fire said Saturday morning. That’s up from 256,000 acres on Friday.

Twelve thousand additional people were being evacuated Saturday from areas near the blaze. The blaze broke out 12 days ago and has killed a firefighter and a woman trying to flee.

Strong winds and dry conditions are expected to fuel the blaze and could spark new fires.