CALIFORNIA
Blaze threatens California's coastal towns as winds fan flames
Santa Barbara, California — Crews battling a huge wind-driven California wildfire that has torched nearly 800 buildings and charred 93,000ha are bracing to protect communities menaced by flames along the state’s scenic coastline. The so-called Thomas fire ignited last week and is burning in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, about 160km northwest of Los Angeles. "Fire will continue to threaten the communities of Carpenteria, Summerland, Montecito and surrounding areas," the California department of forestry and fire protection (Cal Fire) said in an update. Santa Ana winds and the rugged mountainous terrain have hindered firefighters as they battle the blaze, which has destroyed 790 houses, outbuildings and other structures and left 90,000 homes and businesses without power. "A lot of these guys [firefighters] have fought a lot of fires in the past few months and are fatigued," said fire captain Steve Concialdi, spokesman for those fighting the Thomas fire. Concialdi said firefighte...
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