SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Authorities in Southern California ordered residents of about 1,200 homes to evacuate because of a wind- driven wildfire burning in Santa Barbara County.
Fire Capt. David Sadecki said the blaze, which erupted Tuesday afternoon, was burning less than a square mile along the foothills above Santa Barbara. He said winds are pushing the fire toward homes.
Evacuations were ordered for neighborhoods spanning an area about 2 1/2 miles wide, and a stretch of California 192 was closed.
County spokesman William Boyer said an evacuation center had been set up at a church. Other evacuation centers were established for animals.
County and city firefighters were being aided by helicopters.
The National Weather Service said southwest winds were blowing at 14 mph, with gusts to 30 mph. The Associated Press
