Yucaipa & Goleta Fires Continue to Burn

Three residents watch as a brush fire burns out of control in the Santa Ynez Mountains near Goleta, Calif. on Wednesday, July 2, 2008. (AP Photo/Dan Steinberg)

As thousands of fires burn statewide, most all in Northern California, two have hit in or near Southern California.

The Ridge Fire in Yucaipa began yesterday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. and quickly burned 100 acres within the fire couple hours. As of 6:00 a.m., the fire grew to 250-acres and was 15% contained. Officials expect it to be fully contained by 8:00 p.m. today, according to the Bear Valley News.

The Gap Fire in Goleta in Santa Barbara County that began earlier this week has burned more than 5,400 acres threatening 2,600 foothill homes making this the state's top priority. The blaze has caused two power outages with last night's affecting 40,000 homes. Several residents have also been evacuated and over 1000 firefighters are committed.

Statewide, 1,781 fires have burned since June 20 scorching 513,668 acres. 20,296 firefighters are committed and 34 residences, 1 commercial, 32 outbuildings have been destroyed, according to statistics last updated by the state last night.