Seen from Laurel Canyon Road, a helicopter makes a drop on a fire near Santa Barbara, Calif. on Tuesday. A wind-driven fire spread along the foothills above the city on Tuesday and homes were ordered evacuated in an ominously early start to California's annual siege of wildland blazes.
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Southern California authorities say a wildfire threatening 2,000 Santa Barbara homes has grown to 400 acres.
Santa Barbara County spokeswoman Pat Wheatley says the fire has pulled within a half-mile of some neighborhoods. The fire began Tuesday afternoon in the foothills above San Roque Canyon and quickly grew.
Santa Barbara County fire Capt. David Sadecki says about 1,200 homes have been ordered evacuated. No structures had been lost and there is zero containment.
Weather officials say the blaze is being pushed by 20-30 mph winds with gusts to 50 mph.