The raging Alisal wildfire in Santa Barbara, California had scorched more than 13,400 acres (5,423 hectares) of land by Tuesday (October 12), prompting evacuations and partial closure of Highway 101, according to fire authorities.
The fast-moving brush fire started on Monday (October 11) afternoon near the Alisal Reservoir and swelled in size after being stoked by strong winds and burning in dense shrubland, according to federal wildfire tracker InciWeb.
Video obtained by Reuters showed thick smoke and fire burning by the side of Route 101, a highway that runs along the Californian coast.
Thousands of residents have been evacuated and the blaze is threatening approximately 100 structures and ranch homes, fire officials said. -Reuters
