3,100 Acres Burn North of Santa Barbara
Erratic winds pushed a wildfire over more than 3,100 acres Monday in the remote hills of northern Santa Barbara County, forcing firefighters to retreat and prompting ranchers to evacuate their livestock.
Earlier in the day, the blaze had been burning internally--rather than outward over more brush. But high winds spread flames east toward Cottonwood Canyon just before nightfall.
“It looked like we were getting good progress, but winds carried burning embers over our line,” Fire Capt. Charlie Johnson said. “When it hit a slope, it just started burning.”
Crews retreated to designated safety zones when the fire jumped their line.
Firefighters also ordered a voluntary evacuation of 25 homes and ranches in Cottonwood Canyon, but most of the residents that indicated they wanted to stay, Johnson said. Crews were stationed around their homes for protection.
Flames also spread to the south and west, threatening the San Rafael Wilderness Area.
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