California Firefighters, Aircraft Try To Box In Wildfire
Newsy
The Alisal Fire has charred more than 26 square miles of chaparral and grass in the Santa Ynez Mountains west of Santa Barbara.
More than 1,300 firefighters helped by aircraft dumping water and fire retardant worked Thursday to box in a wildfire in a Southern California coastal mountain range that has closed a major highway for days.
The Alisal Fire has charred more than 26 square miles (67 square kilometers) of chaparral and grass in the Santa Ynez Mountains west of Santa Barbara since it erupted Monday amid high winds. It is only 5% contained.
Authorities have said the fire is a threat to about 100 ranches and isolated homes. Among the properties being protected is Rancho del Cielo, which was once owned by Ronald and Nancy Reagan and used as their western retreat during his presidency. The 688-acre (278-hectare) ranch sits high atop the mountain range.