July 8 (UPI) — A fast-moving California fire doubled in size overnight, as firefighters attempted to combat the blaze on Saturday.
High temperatures and low humidity spurred the Alamo wildfire burning east of Twitchell Reservoir in Santa Barbara County to reach a size of nearly 6,000 acres as of 7 a.m Saturday, KSBY reported, according to fire officials.
Santa Barbara County Fire Captain Dave Zaniboni reported about 1,000 firefighters were called upon to combat the massive blaze, which remained about 10 percent contained.
Five helicopters and four fixed-wing aircraft were also assigned to make water drops and drop flame retardant on the fire, Noozhawk reported.
No structures were damaged and no injuries have been reported, but Zaniboni said winds are may shift out of the northwest and cause the fire to burn into the Tepusquet Canyon, where there are many residents and property owners.
About 300 residents were notified of mandatory evacuations at Tepusquet Road from Blazing Saddle Drive to Santa Maria Mesa Road, Blazing Saddle Drive, White Rock Lane and Colson Canyon.
Fire engines were positioned alongside the roads affected by mandatory evacuation orders to protect structures from encroaching flames.
