Jul 4, 2008 9:59 pm US/Pacific
Goleta Fire Now Calif.'s Top Wildfire Priority
GOLETA (AP) ―
Winds are kicking up in Santa Barbara County this evening, fueling the fire that is burning dangerously close to hundreds of homes in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains.
Winds pushed the Gap Fire to 6,661 acres and prompted authorities to designate it the top wildfire priority in the state.
Forest Service officials say crews have made progress on the fire's southwestern flank, but the fire was closing in on Highway 154.
The fire was 14 percent contained this afternoon, with no estimate for full containment.
About a half-dozen outbuildings, an RV and 10 cars burned last night, but the 1,046 firefighters on scene were able to save hundreds of homes.
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