Santa Barbara - Authorities in Southern California have ordered about 1,200 homes to evacuate because of a wind-driven wildfire burning in Santa Barbara County.

Fire Capt. David Sadecki says the blaze, which erupted Tuesday afternoon, is burning less than a square mile along the foothills above Santa Barbara. He says winds are pushing the fire toward homes.

Evacuations have been ordered for neighborhoods spanning an area about 2 1/2 miles wide, and part of State Route 192 has been closed.

County spokesman William Boyer says an evacuation center has been set up at a church. Other evacuation centers have been established for animals.

County and city firefighters are being aided by helicopters.