3,500 Acres Burn in Los Padres Forest
A brush fire fueled by warm temperatures was partially contained but it continued to spread rapidly through the Los Padres National Forest, consuming more than 3,500 acres by Sunday evening.
About 700 firefighters battled the flames in dry grassland and chaparral about 100 miles northwest of Los Angeles, said Earl Clayton, spokesman for the U.S. Forest Service.
The fire had been about 15% contained, but firefighters lost ground by Sunday evening, said U.S. Forest Service spokeswoman Juanita Freel.
There were scattered ranches in the rural area, including some barns, equipment sheds and outbuildings, but none were threatened, Clayton said.
Clayton said two hunters admitted to fire investigators that they had been smoking in the area and were suspected of starting the fire.
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