Thousands flee as fires gut santa barbara

FIREFIGHTERS have been picking over the smouldering rubble of a ferocious California wildfire that forced thousands to flee and destroyed at least 20 homes.
A blaze which began on Monday in the upmarket coastal town of Santa Barbara, northwest of Los Angeles, exploded into life yesterday as powerful hot winds and record temperatures created a perfect storm of fire conditions.

More than 13,000 residents of the picturesque city have been ordered to evacuate as an army of 1300 firefighters battles to get a grip on the 526ha fire, which was zero per cent contained.

Three firefighters were hospitalised suffering from burns and smoke inhalation as a home they were protecting was suddenly engulfed by flames. The firefighters are in a stable condition.

California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency to help release resources to fight the blaze and was due to tour the fire-stricken area later today.

As dawn broke, firefighters got a clearer picture of the devastation.

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