Thousands of people in California are leaving their homes as a wildfire threatens the town of Santa Barbara. The rapidly moving blaze has burned more than 500 acres, leading California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to declare a state of emergency. Some 13,000 people have been ordered to evacuate as the blaze comes perilously close to the town centre. The blaze is being investigated as possible arson, and three fire fighters are in hospital with injuries. Santa Barbara, with its idyllic climate and lush countryside, is often referred to as the American Riviera. But in the past 24 hours, the seaside town has been engulfed by fire. TV pictures show flames destroying several large hillside properties in the exclusive region. US media reports say at least 20 structures have been destroyed and some 2,000 homes are threatened.
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