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Fire advances on California town Fires on edge of California town
(about 8 hours later)
Thousands of people in California have left their homes as a wildfire threatens the town of Santa Barbara.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. The fire is proving extremely difficult to bring under control, the governor said during a tour of the area.
"Today is another day of concern to us," said Capt David Sadecki of the Santa Barbara Fire Department. Some 13,500 people have been told to evacuate as the blaze continues for a third day, edging towards the town.
Eight firefighters have been injured, at least three seriously, in the blaze which is being investigated as possible arson. At least 10 firefighters have been injured, 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 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.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. "We really can't do any containment lines. It's too dangerous," Capt David Sadecki of the Santa Barbara Fire Department 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). Fire fighting crews have been reinforced; there are now about 1,400 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 say after a lull, the winds are likely to pick up again, says the BBC's Peter Bowes in Los Angeles.
Weather forecasters are warning of more strong winds and it may take several days to bring the blaze under control. Exhausted firefighters will be tackling this blaze well into the weekend, our correspondent says.
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.
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