Wildfire Ravages Montecito Area Of Santa Barbara County

Santa Barbara, CA — The out-of-control Tea wildfire has destroyed 100 homes in the wealthy community of Montecito.

The fire has burned up to 2,000 acres early this morning and has forced more than 5,000 residents to evacuate their homes.

Two firefighters have suffered smoke inhalation and two residents were hospitalized with burn injuries.

According to CAL Fire the blaze broke out at approximately 6:30 Thursday evening in the foothills of Montecito and was quickly fanned by fierce winds. Within less than six hours, it had destroyed dozens of luxury homes and several buildings on the Westmont College campus.

Cause of the fire; still to be determined.

Approximately 500 firefighters are racing to stop the flames from spreading west to Santa Barbara and downhill toward more homes.

Copter 404, a strike team of engines (5) and a strike team of crews from the CAL Fire Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit were already stationed in southern California. Today the Unit is sending an OES strike team of engines from Calaveras County, two strike teams of crews from the Baseline Fire Camp and overhead persoonal to southern California.

Written by Bill Johnson