Thoroughbreds can’t escape

BONSALL, Calif. — A routine day at an elite training center for racehorses transformed into terror and chaos in minutes, with hundreds of thoroughbreds stampeding out of their stalls in a desperate attempt to flee a Southern California wildfire that set their barns ablaze.

Turned loose by their trainers in a lastditch effort to save their lives, the huge, muscular animals, their eyes wide with fear, charged through thick smoke and past dancing flames. While hundreds made it to the safety of a nearby racetrack, others galloped in circles, unsure which way to run. Still others, too frightened to leave their paddocks, stayed there and died.

Workers at San Luis Rey Downs said an estimated 30 to 40 horses perished Thursday in the wildfire still raging out of control north of San Diego on Friday. At least two stable workers were injured, and their conditions were not immediately known.

“It’s really horrible to see some of these little streets look like a moonscape,” he told a friend whose home was reduced to black rubble.

The fire 50 miles north of San Diego ignited for unknown reasons and destroyed at least 105 structures as it burned 6 square miles.

Meanwhile, firefighters northwest of Los Angeles gained some control over the largest and most destructive fire in the state, which destroyed

476 buildings. The blaze in Ventura County grew to 223 square miles since igniting.

Some of the first evacuees from the fire who had to flee on Monday were allowed to return on Friday, including everyone from the city of Santa Paula, the first city threatened by the week’s fires.

Along the coast between Ventura and Santa Barbara, tiny communities had so far survived close calls.

Slopes along U.S. 101 were blackened, but homes still stood at La Conchita and Faria Beach.

Sections of Carpinteria were under mandatory or voluntary evacuation orders, but no flames were in sight.