Wildfire rages in Southern California coastal mountains
The Hindu
The Alisal Fire covered more than 22 square miles (57 square kilometers) in the Santa Ynez Mountains west of Santa Barbara, and the number of firefighters was nearly doubled to 1,300, with more on the way.
A wildfire raging through Southern California coastal mountains threatened ranches and rural homes, and kept a major highway shut down on Wednesday as the fire-scarred state faced a new round of dry winds that raise risk of flames.
The Alisal Fire covered more than 22 square miles (57 square kilometers) in the Santa Ynez Mountains west of Santa Barbara, and the number of firefighters was nearly doubled to 1,300, with more on the way. Containment remained at 5 per cent.
“While the scenic region along the Pacific shoreline is lightly populated, the blaze was a threat to more than 100 homes, ranches and other buildings,” fire officials said.