This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/americas/8043460.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
US fire 'sparked by power tool' US fire 'sparked by power tool'
(about 1 hour later)
Power tools used to clear brush may have sparked a fire in California that burnt 80 homes and forced 30,000 people to flee the town of Santa Barbara. Power tools used to clear brush may have sparked a fire in California that burnt 77 homes and forced 30,000 people to flee the town of Santa Barbara.
California fire officials say someone was clearing vegetation near a trail when the fire erupted on Tuesday.California fire officials say someone was clearing vegetation near a trail when the fire erupted on Tuesday.
State fire officials have asked the public for information about anyone who may been engaged in such activity.State fire officials have asked the public for information about anyone who may been engaged in such activity.
Santa Barbara County residents were recently advised they had until 1 June to clear potentially hazardous brush.Santa Barbara County residents were recently advised they had until 1 June to clear potentially hazardous brush.
In pictures: California wildfire Readers' accounts of the fire Your pictures of the blazeIn pictures: California wildfire Readers' accounts of the fire Your pictures of the blaze
It was not immediately clear whether the blaze started in an area where residents had received such a notice.It was not immediately clear whether the blaze started in an area where residents had received such a notice.
Officials have declined giving further details about the type of power tools that may have been used or if anyone could face charges.Officials have declined giving further details about the type of power tools that may have been used or if anyone could face charges.
Evacuations lifted
Firefighters have contained two-thirds of the fire, aided by cooler weather and fog blowing in from the ocean. But officials remain on the alert.
"The weather tends to be a little fickle around here" said deputy fire chief Chris Hahn. "So our guard is up".
No civilian casualties have been reported since the blaze began on Tuesday but 18 firefighters have been hurt. Three suffered severe burns and smoke inhalation while attempting to put out the fire on Wednesday, fire officials said.
By late Sunday, most of the remaining 15,000 evacuees were permitted to return to their homes but were advised to remain ready to evacuate again at short notice.
Sundowners, fierce local winds that sweep down the mountains and out to sea, have been whipping up the flames in recent days as temperatures remained high.Sundowners, fierce local winds that sweep down the mountains and out to sea, have been whipping up the flames in recent days as temperatures remained high.
The area's last major brush fire destroyed more than 200 homes in November. It was blamed on a bonfire started by local students.The area's last major brush fire destroyed more than 200 homes in November. It was blamed on a bonfire started by local students.
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.
Read the terms and conditions Read the terms and conditions
At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.
The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & ConditionsThe BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & Conditions