At Least 30,000 Homes Evacuated as California Wildfires Spread

by Rob Walker | May 8, 2009 at 06:09 am

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Fires continue to burn in Southern California as about 30,000 homes have been abandoned.

Wildfires in Santa Barbara have spread to 1,100 hectares in the last few days, although diminishing winds today would provide some relief.

At least 75 homes have been destroyed in the fires as 2,300 firefighters worked to control the fire, but were stuck dealing with 100km/h winds that whipped through the area.

The fire was moving closer to Santa Barbara's more densely populated lowland core, prompting officials to issue another round of evacuation calls. Around 18,000 have now been told to leave their homes. An estimated 75 homes have been destroyed or damaged in the blaze.
"The winds are going to be back today, but expected to be less intense," said the CBC's Steve Futterman, reporting Friday from the fire's front lines near Santa Barbara. "However, that was what the forecast was 24 hours ago after the first night of this fire, and the winds last night turned out to be just as intense as that first night.

You can check out previous coverage here:

Thousands of homes in Southern California were evacuated late Wednesday as wildfires raged across more than 200 hectares of land. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency last night and strong winds were forecast for Thursday, heightening fears of the fires spreading.

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Mary Richard

at 07:45 on May 8th, 2009

NY Times is reporting that it's still only 10% contained, with 3,500 acres burned, and about 30,000 people evacuated.

clearcon

at 10:06 on May 8th, 2009

These photos were taken Wed. PM about 5:30 from up on Old San Marcos Rd. Air temp was high 90s and Humidity was about 10%

By the following night (Thursday) the fire had almost reached where I stood. A distance of about 5 miles I'd guess.

clearcon has contributed a photo to this story.

74rex

at 10:23 on May 8th, 2009

As scary as the fire is, it was fascinating to watch the colors and shapes move and shift in the smoke. Taken from 133 E. Haley St., Santa Barbara 5/6/09.

74rex has contributed a photo to this story.