Gusty wind forecast again in SoCal fire area

[May 13, 2009]  SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (AP) -- A new round of fierce wind is forecast for California's Santa Barbara area as crews work to encircle the last smoldering remnants of a wildfire that destroyed dozens of homes.

The National Weather Service posted a red flag warning of extreme fire danger Wednesday because of low humidity and sustained wind of 35 mph -- with gusts up to 60 mph.

Officials said the wildfire that blackened more than 13 square miles last week was 80 percent contained after days of cool, humid weather.

The fire began May 5 and stiff wind fanned the flames through dry brush in the scenic hills above Santa Barbara, destroying 78 homes and damaging 22 others.

The fire injured 29 firefighters. One firefighter is still hospitalized after undergoing surgery for burns on Tuesday.

[Associated Press]

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