Firefighters gain ground on blazes around Southern CaliforniaMay 29, 2013 - 13:58 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Firefighters made big strides toward getting ahead of a forest fire in mountains northwest of Santa Barbara, Calif. and stopped several smaller blazes around Southern California, AP reported. The wildfire had carved its way through 3.2 square miles of chaparral, oak and pine Tuesday, May 28 but by day's end firefighters had it 65 percent contained and residents from a few dozen homes that were evacuated Monday were allowed to return, fire spokesman Manuel Madrigal said. More than 600 firefighters, supported by a dozen aircraft, were on the lines about 10 miles northwest of the scenic coastal city. At the fire's height, thousands of campers and day visitors scrambled out of the forest on the Memorial Day holiday, and about 50 homes, mainly cabins and vacation rentals, were evacuated. It burned a U.S. Forest Service garage and two vehicles. Firefighters took advantage of calm midday winds to start to surround the blaze as it moved east along the Santa Ynez Mountains. The fire was burning near Paradise Road, which meanders along the north side of the Santa Ynez Mountains. Santa Barbara and neighboring communities sit on the other side of the coastal range, which rises quickly from near the Pacific shoreline to peaks topping 3,000 feet. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |