Wind Keeps California Wildfires Raging

PlusWind Keeps California Wildfires RagingWind Keeps California Wildfires RagingThe Associated PressA huge wildfire still threatens Big Sur, California, but a blaze farther south has doubled in size. (July 4)[Notes:ANCHOR VOICE] [Notes:BIG SUR, Calif.]The Fourth of July holiday brought no rest for fire crews battling a pair of out of control wildfires ----roaring along California's central coast. Their mission ---- to save more than 4,500 homes threatened by the flames. GREGG DENITTO/ Fire INFO, The fires are burning in Big Sur --- and Santa Barbara County. Driven by wind gusts as high as 40 miles per hour---- the Santa Barbara County fire was so fierce early Friday that firefighters at one point took shelter in some of the 70 homes they were trying to defend.POSSIBLE SOTWind is less of a problem in Big Sur, which remains eerily empty under a thick blanket of fog and smoke.However, the Big Sur fire was has been burning for more than a week and is still only about 5 percent contained.It's already consumed more than 100 square miles of land --and 20 homes.While mandatory evacuations have been ordered in much of the region --there are still some who refuse to leave. POSSIBLE SOTFirefighters are working to get to those people first ---but continue with their efforts to to save this scenic landscape. ___ ___, The Associated Press.(****END****)

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YouTube | July 5, 2008

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