California wildfire: 23,000 more face evacuation

Santa Barbara: As many as 23,000 more people faced possible evacuation on Saturday as firefighters struggled to get a grip on an out-of-control wildfire raging in southern California.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared a state of Emergency to help release resources to fight the blaze.

At least 75 homes have been destroyed and 30,500 people evacuated from the upmarket town of Santa Barbara following a wind-whipped blaze that has forced firefighters onto the defensive.

Authorities widened the scope of possible evacuation areas to include an additional 23,000 people, despite a lull in winds and increased humidity that gave a boost to the firefighting effort later on Friday.

The rapidly spreading wildfire left vast clouds of smoke across the region following a dramatic escalation overnight that had sent the flames roaring toward the center of the city.

"I never thought I'd use these cliche type words, but last night all hell broke loose," Santa Barbara City Fire Chief Andy Dimizio said.

Powerful winds known as "sundowners," sizzling temperatures and tinder dry brush have combined to create a perfect storm of fire conditions for beleaguered fire crews.