Firefighters struggle to protect homes

UNITED STATES: The fifthlargest wildfire in California history expanded yesterday, ripping through dry brush atop a coastal ridge while crews struggled to keep flames from roaring down into neighbourhoods amid fears of renewed winds.

Firefighters protected foothill homes northwest of Los Angeles, making progress in residential areas while much of the fire’s growth occurred to the north in unoccupied forest land, Santa Barbara County Fire Department spokesman Mike Eliason said.

‘‘There were a couple of flareups in the hills that put on a light show last night, but they were expected. For now the teams are fighting the fire on their own terms,’' he said, adding that shifting winds are always a danger.

Red Flag warnings for fire danger due to Santa Ana winds and a critical lack of moisture have been extended.

Tens of thousands of people remain evacuated, including many from the seaside enclaves of Montecito, Summerland and Carpinteria and the inland agricultural town of Fillmore.

Still among evacuees due to smoke yesterday were Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Eric Burdon and his wife, Marianna, of Ojai. Last week, Burdon wrote on Facebook about having to flee and returning temporarily to find their home still standing with ashes all around.

‘‘A week like this gives you the perspective that life is what truly matters,’' he wrote.

Poor air quality kept dozens of schools closed. As ash rained down and smoke blew through streets, regulators urged people to remain inside if possible and avoid strenuous activity.

Officials handed out masks to those who stayed behind in Montecito, an exclusive community about 120 kilometres from Los Angeles that’s home to stars such as Oprah Winfrey, Jeff Bridges and Drew Barrymore.

The blaze – known as the Thomas Fire – has destroyed more than 680 homes. It was just partially contained after burning more than 93,000 hectares of dry brush and timber. The fire has been burning for over a week.

The fire is in an area of California that has remained in at least moderate drought even after last winter’s powerful rains and heavy mountain snowfall eliminated drought in much of the rest of the state.