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Faria Beach palm tree farm destroyed in Thomas Fire

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A popular palm tree farm well known to people driving along the Pacific Coast Highway has been destroyed in the Thomas Fire.

The fire came dangerously close to homes Thursday in Faria Beach after jumping Highway 101. Firefighters were able to stop the flames from reaching those homes, but they couldn’t save the Faria Ranch Palm Tree Farm.

Farm manager Dee Willingham estimates millions of dollars in loss but says the farm will come back.

"The Farias have been here since 1901, no time to quit now," he said.

The Faria family says they plan to rebuild and replant once the smoke clears.