Caution Advised As Calif. Fire Evacuations Lifted

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (AP) - Thanks to a lingering, thick fog, firefighters appear to have turned a corner in their battle against a destructive Santa Barbara County wildfire.

But California fire officials say the haven't beat it yet. Tens of thousands of people rushed from their homes by the flames are being allowed back, but are also being told to remain alert in case conditions change.

One man whose house was covered in ash but otherwise untouched by the flames says he feels like he "dodged a bullet."

The fire is 40% contained and officials are hoping to have full containment by Wednesday. The National Weather Service dropped fire weather warnings yesterday and predicts that clouds and fog would continue through Monday morning.

The blaze destroyed some 30 homes and damaged nearly 50 more.

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