Wildfire threatens homes in Santa Barbara

(CNN) -- A wind-whipped fire in the hills above Santa Barbara, California, expanded to 400 acres late Tuesday, putting 1,200 homes under a mandatory evacuation order and another 1,000 under an evacuation warning, emergency officials said.

The flames are burning within a mile of several homes, said Pat Wheatley with the Santa Barbara County Emergency Operations Center. There have been no injuries, no homes or businesses damaged and only sporadic power outages in the county, she said.

The wildfire began in the Cathedral Peak area around 1:45 p.m. (4:45 p.m. ET), prompting at least seven school closures for Wednesday.

Four fire agencies are battling the blaze.

The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for the area, with winds clocked at 20 mph to 30 mph. Watch scenes from the fire »

Evacuation centers have been set up across the county for people as well as animals.

Large animals can be taken to Earl Warren Showgrounds in Santa Barbara, country officials said. The Santa Barbara Humane Society in Goleta is taking care of small animals.

CNN's Jackie Castillo contributed to this story.

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