13K Flee as Calif. Fire Rages

Santa Barbara under state of emergency as wildfires scorch hillsides

(NEWSER) - Raging wildfires in the hills above Santa Barbara have destroyed at least 20 homes and are threatening many more, reports the Los Angeles Times. Some 900 firefighters are battling the wind-driven fires, but are hampered by poor access to the area. Three were hospitalized with burns after flames engulfed their truck. More»

Calif. fires come within a few miles of host's $50m home

(NEWSER) - Oprah Winfrey's mansion in Montecito has been evacuated as wildfires rage a few miles away in Santa Barbara, a source tells Us Weekly. Movers have been seen shifting the talk show host's belongings from the $50 million home. The fires have forced more than 30,500 people from their homes and emergency workers warn that downtown Montecito is now in danger. More»

(NEWSER) - Poor firefighting conditions today—following a windy night—have allowed the Santa Barbara, Calif., wildfire to grow, and it has now consumed 3,500 acres and 75 homes, KNBC-TV reports. The fire, which has forced 30,000 people to flee their homes, is just 10% contained. Winds today are expected to reach 65 mph, with high temperatures and low humidity that could continue to hamper efforts. More»

Firefighters unable to get blaze under control as 30,000 evacuate

(NEWSER) - Early-morning winds kicked up the uncontrolled Jesusita fire in the hills of Santa Barbara, causing the evacuation of thousands more residents, reports the Los Angeles Times. The fire has now burned more than 2,800 acres, destroyed dozens of homes, and forced 30,000 people to evacuate. Gov. Schwarzenegger has declared an emergency, saying, “We are 100% behind the people of Santa Barbara.” More»

Wind could pick up later today

(AP) - Helicopters dropping water during the night and calmer wind this morning are helping crews hold back a wildfire that has forced the evacuation of 1,200 California homes. An early start to the state's annual wildfire siege, the fire has burned 196 acres of brush and threatened some 2,000 homes north of Santa Barbara. The fire has stabilized, but winds could pick up later today. More»