SANTA BARBARA – (Reuters) – A wildfire fed by parched land and high winds spread in Southern California yesterday, prompting hundreds of people to evacuate their homes as the blaze formed destructive columns of flames known as fire tornadoes.
The so-called Sherpa Fire in Santa Barbara County, about 90 miles (145 km) northwest of Los Angeles, had burned through about 7,650 acres (3,100 hectares) by midday yesterday, officials said. Firefighters increased containment after early evening “sundowner winds” that can whip through the area’s coastal canyons did not emerge overnight on Friday.
“We had a very good night last night,” Santa Barbara County Fire Chief Eric Peterson told a news conference, adding “we’ve had no life loss, no major injuries and no major structural loss.”
More than 1,200 firefighters have been dispatched to battle the flames being fueled by dry chaparral and grass in coastal canyons about 20 miles (32 km) northwest of the affluent city of Santa Barbara.
“Now is the time to gather your family members, pets and important documents in case you need to leave quickly,” the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office warned people living in areas threatened by the fire.
