Dry conditions, high temperatures, and strong winds have once more spawned several large and destructive wildfires across the state of California. Thousands of firefighters are now battling multiple blazes that have burned hundreds of thousands of acres in the past few weeks, and recently claimed at least eight lives. Gathered below: a collection of images of those affected by these recent fires, and some of the dramatic scenes of destruction left in their wake.
A wind-whipped wildfire was advancing near the coast of Santa Barbara, California, Friday as it ripped through some 4,000 acres — more than doubling overnight — and forced homeowners to flee, fire officials said.
About 140 homes and ranches were at risk in the coastal canyons of an area that hasn’t seen such a dramatic burn in 60 years.
An estimated 1,200 firefighters were battling the blaze Friday morning, and were able to contain about 5 percent of it, according to Cal Fire.
Hundreds of homeowners were being called to evacuate late Thursday in the communities of El Capitan, Refugio, Venadito and Las Flores canyons, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office said.
Dispatches From The Front 