4,000 Evacuations as Wildfire Rages in California

The wildfire burned through a campground Monday afternoon

Firefighters are battling a 1,200 acre blaze in Santa Barbara County that prompted 4,000 evacuations from year-round and summer homes and campgrounds, officials said.

The White Fire was burning to the east along the Santa Ynez river, backed by strong winds. It is burning through forest and away from structures, according to officials with the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

The fire began at 2:30 p.m. Monday. It was 10 percent contained as of early Tuesday.

Evacuation areas include Paradise Road, starting at the Forest Service kiosk. An estimated 4,000 people were evacuated, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department.

The fire is threatening 50 residences, five commercial properties and 50 outbuildings and other structures, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

Air tankers, helicopters and ground crews fought the fire Monday. Aerial crews are expected to return to the area Tuesday morning after they were grounded Monday evening because of strong winds.

The fire burned through Sage Hill campground, but details regarding damage were not available Tuesday morning.

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