Volunteer firefighter dies

2008-07-04 20:08

Amanda Fehd

California - A ferocious wildfire burning through the Los Padres National Forest continued creeping closer to the tourist town of Big Sur on Friday, after jumping a fire line and claiming several more homes this week.

The stubborn blaze, which has burned more than 259 square kilometres, was just one of hundreds raging around the state. On Thursday, officials reported California's first firefighter death this year - a volunteer who collapsed on the fire line in Mendocino County.

At least 20 homes have been destroyed near Big Sur since the blaze broke out June 21. The fire was only five percent contained by late on Thursday.

Crews near the Pacific Coast Highway fought back flames from homes and historic landmarks, including the upscale Ventana Inn which was surrounded by crackling, burning brush on Thursday afternoon. Several homes perched on a ridge about a quarter-mile from the inn fell victim to the fire the night before.

A total of 367 wildfires were burning on Thursday across the state, most ignited by lightning, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, known as Cal Fire, and the US Forest Service. That figure was down from a peak of roughly 1 500 fires just a few days ago.

In all, the wildfires have scorched more than 2 045 square kilometres and destroyed at least 65 structures since June 20, according to the Cal Fire.

With firefighting resources stretched thin early in the fire season, counties have been recruiting volunteer firefighters to help with smaller blazes.

Crews made progress at a separate wildfire burning nearly 337 square kilometres southeast of Big Sur. The blaze, also in Los Padres National Forest, was about 95% contained on Thursday.

Meanwhile, a third wildfire in the southern extension of the Los Padres forest north of Santa Barbara forced residents to evacuate the town of Goleta as strong winds pushed flames toward homes in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains. In all, authorities told residents of about 1 700 homes in several small communities to leave.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday declared a state of emergency in Santa Barbara County to free up resources to fight that blaze, which has burned nearly 13 square kilometres)since breaking out on Tuesday. It was 16% contained early on Friday.

- AP