The Whittier Wildfire in Santa Barbara County in California continues to burn out-of-control, forcing approximately 2,700 to evacuate their homes in the surrounding areas.
The Southern California wildfire has forced mandatory evacuations, and as of this writing, approximately 8 homes and 12 outbuildings have burned, as well as forced a highway to close down.
The Whittier Fire in California has been raging for over a week, burning 18,015 acres and is only 49% contained. https://t.co/KvShfck5uY pic.twitter.com/7aHYuwvk4M
— ABC News (@ABC) July 17, 2017
The fire has been burning since Jul 8 and is located in the Santa Ynez Mountains on both sides of Highway 154. The fire has burned more than 13,000 acres and is approximately 52% contained.
Officials say that 1,612 personnel were on the scene, as well as 103 fire engines, 22 water tenders, six airplanes, 14 helicopters, and 18 bulldozers, all trying to contain this massive fire.
Dry conditions are making it extremely difficult for firefighters to effectively battle the fire, which has yet to be fully contained over the last week.
If you know anyone living in Southern California, please advise them to stay clear of the area impacted by the wildfire, as officials have yet to get the situation under control.
Source: USA Today