The Associated Press
SANTA MARIA, Calif. — Authorities have closed nearly 111 square miles of the Los Padre National Forest because of a wildfire that could pose a threat to ranches in northern Santa Barbara County.
Forest Service spokesman Maeton Freel says the mostly inaccessible backcountry was closed Tuesday.
A 4-day wildfire in the San Rafael Wilderness area of the forest has scorched more than 32 square miles of brushy canyon lands and crested a ridge a few miles from ranches.
Authorities say an evacuation warning was issued for 14 ranches. There’s no imminent threat, but ranchers are voluntarily moving their horses and other livestock.
More than 1,000 firefighters are battling the blaze. It’s 10 percent contained.