The fire at Alisal has spread to more than 22 square miles (57 square kilometers) in the Santa Ynez Mountains west of Santa Barbara, and more than 1,300 firefighters are there. Only five percent of the fire has been brought under control so far.
Officials said several houses, farms and buildings were in danger due to the fire. Firefighters are working to save the giant ranch Rancho del Cielo. Flames engulfed about 688 acres (278-hectare) of farmland.
Jessica Jensen, vice president and chief of staff of the Young America Foundation, said the fire was about half a mile (0.8 kilometers) from the Reagan Ranch area on Wednesday morning, according to information from farm workers. “Thankfully the fire hasn’t reached the actual Reagan Ranch area,” he said. This area is still in a very safe condition.
According to the Foundation, there has not been a fire here since 1955.
According to the California Department of Forest and Fire Protection, this year’s wildfires in California have covered an area of about 3,900 square miles (10,101 square kilometers) and damaged more than 3,600 homes, commercial and other structures.
AP Niharika Mansi
Mansi
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