The Cave fire burns a hillside above houses in Santa Barbara, California on November 26, 2019. The wind-driven brush fire that started late on November 25, 2019 in Los Padres National Forest near Highway 154 in Santa Barbara County moved quickly downhill,
Washington - Rains have helped firefighters put out about 20 percent of the major forest fire that broke out in Santa Barbara county in southern California, where thousands of citizens were forced to flee their homes.
The fire that began breaking out Monday pervaded over 4367 acres so far, as fire brigades continued their efforts to control it, the American ABC News reported.
Over 6000 people were forced to evacuate their homes due to the fire.
The overnight rain had significantly helped firefighters and the containment number was expected to grow in the coming period, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department (SBCFD) spokesman Mike Eliason said.
He added that all the residents who evacuated their homes due to the fire are expected to return to their homes soon.
More rains are expected over the next few days, which will help fire brigades to control the fire.
The county declared a local emergency on Monday night and requested that Governor of California Gavin Newsom proclaim a state of emergency, the release said, adding that evacuation centers were opened for displaced community members and animals.
The fire causes serious danger to the safety of citizens and properties in the county, said the county's officials in a statement.
No casualties or injuries were reported under the circumstances.
