"California firefighters are battling flames and strong winds as they tackle the Alisal Fire, which has shut down a section of the iconic Highway 101 and Amtrak lines in Santa Barbara County.

The 15,400-acre fire, burning 20 miles northwest of Santa Barbara in Refugio Canyon, was 5% contained as of Wednesday evening.

The fire grew quickly after sparking on Monday, officials said. The cause is unknown.

At least 1,300 personnel are responding to the blaze, with more expected to join the effort."

Aya Elamroussi and Joe Sutton report for CNN October 13, 2021. [2]