The Associated Press
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — A wildfire burning in the Los Padres National Forest grew by thousands of acres to become the second-largest blaze in the state’s modern history.
By late Tuesday, the Zaca Fire had scorched 222,557 acres — an area larger than New York’s five boroughs — surpassing 1932’s Matilija Fire. That fire burned about 220,000 acres, also in the Los Padres forest.
The Zaca Fire’s northeastern corner continued to advance Tuesday toward the miles-long fire line separating it from rugged backcountry covered with century-old chaparral.
But earlier backfire operations in the southeastern corner allowed crews to move in and directly attack flames there.
“That fire is up to the line and holding and has been for two days,” fire spokesman Larry Comerford said. “We’re gaining the upper hand on that area.”
More than 3,100 firefighters and nearly 30 aircraft were attacking the blaze. Crews continued to bulldoze and backfire areas to create or reinforce fire lines.
Some areas were so steep and clogged that firefighters had to rappel down ropes from helicopters to reach them, Comerford said.
The fire was about 17 miles north of the Ventura County community of Ojai and 10 miles east of Montecito and Carpinteria in Santa Barbara County.
Residents of 30 to 40 ranches in those counties were advised to move large animals out of the area and be prepared to get out themselves.
However, no homes were in imminent danger from the fire, Comerford said.
Sparks from equipment being used to repair a water pipe ignited the blaze north of Los Olivos on July 4. Fighting the blaze has resulted in 39 minor injuries and cost about $87.5 million. The 348 square-mile blaze was 79 percent contained.
Meanwhile, firefighters continued to battle two smaller flare-ups as hot weather and dry conditions across Southern California prompted officials to issue “red flag” warnings for fire danger.
A 75-acre wildfire burning in canyons in suburban Hacienda Heights about 25 miles southeast of Los Angeles was 60 percent contained.
Residents in 12 homes who had been ordered out as a precaution were allowed back late Tuesday, a Los Angeles County fire dispatcher said.
The cause of the fire was under investigation.
In the steep San Jacinto Mountains that rise to the west of Palm Springs, a fire that may have been sparked by lightning spread over 80 acres of pines and destroyed at least six structures at an abandoned youth camp site, said Robin Prince, a spokeswoman for the San Bernardino National Forest.
About 120 firefighters were dispatched.
The largest fire in California’s modern history was the 2003 Cedar Fire near San Diego, which burned more than 273,000 acres, destroyed 4,847 structures and killed 15 people.