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| Fire advances on California town | |
| (about 3 hours later) | |
| Thousands of people in California have left their homes as a wildfire threatens the town of Santa Barbara. | |
| The rapidly moving blaze has burned more than 500 acres, leading California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to declare a state of emergency. | The rapidly moving blaze has burned more than 500 acres, leading California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to declare a state of emergency. |
| Some 13,000 people have been ordered to evacuate as the blaze comes perilously close to the town centre. | Some 13,000 people have been ordered to evacuate as the blaze comes perilously close to the town centre. |
| "Today is another day of concern to us," said Capt David Sadecki of the Santa Barbara Fire Department. | |
| Eight firefighters have been injured, at least three seriously, in the blaze which is being investigated as possible arson. | |
| We really can't do any containment lines. It's too dangerous David SadeckiSanta Barbara County Fire Dept In pictures: California wildfire Readers' accounts of the fire | |
| Santa Barbara, with its idyllic climate and lush countryside, is often referred to as the American Riviera. | Santa Barbara, with its idyllic climate and lush countryside, is often referred to as the American Riviera. |
| Since Wednesday, the fire has moved ever nearer to the seaside town. | |
| TV pictures show flames destroying several large hillside properties in the exclusive region. | TV pictures show flames destroying several large hillside properties in the exclusive region. |
| US media reports say at least 20 structures have been destroyed and some 2,000 homes are threatened. | US media reports say at least 20 structures have been destroyed and some 2,000 homes are threatened. |
| 'Extreme weather' | 'Extreme weather' |
| "We really can't do any containment lines. It's too dangerous," Capt Sadecki told the Associated Press news agency. | |
| About 1,300 fire fighters are tackling the blaze, which has been fanned by record temperatures and strong winds of up to 50mph (80km/h). | |
| A spokesman for the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department said 5,430 homes were under mandatory evacuation. | A spokesman for the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department said 5,430 homes were under mandatory evacuation. |
| The estimated number of occupants of those homes was 13,575, the Associated Press reported. | The estimated number of occupants of those homes was 13,575, the Associated Press reported. |
| In declaring a state of emergency, Mr Schwarzenegger has released funds to pay for the fire fighting effort. | In declaring a state of emergency, Mr Schwarzenegger has released funds to pay for the fire fighting effort. |
| The governor was due to visit the affected area during Thursday. | |
| Weather forecasters are warning of more strong winds and it may take several days to bring the blaze under control. | |
| Are you in California? Have you been affected by the wildfires? You can send us your experiences using the form below. | Are you in California? Have you been affected by the wildfires? You can send us your experiences using the form below. |
| You can also send us your pictures or videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk, text them to +44 7725 100 100 or if you have a large file you can upload it here. | You can also send us your pictures or videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk, text them to +44 7725 100 100 or if you have a large file you can upload it here. |
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