Wildfire causes evacuations in Calif.
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (AP) - May 22, 2008 The blaze, first reported around 5:30 a.m., had grown to about
1,000 acres by midmorning, according to the California Department
of Forestry and Fire Protection. The flames sent a thick cloud of
smoke into the air that could be seen miles away.
The fire is in the mountain range that separates Santa Cruz and
Santa Clara counties south of San Jose, and the rural area is
dotted with homes.
At least 20 homes were threatened by the blaze, said Chris
Morgan, a state fire prevention specialist.
"Our main priority is evacuations, getting people out safely,"
Morgan said. "Then we can start working the perimeter of the
fire."
Firefighters were grappling with winds gusting up to 40 mph and
heavy brush and timber, officials said.
