Posted: Friday, 14 November 2008 12:23PM
Fire Destroys More Than 100 Homes in Santa Barbara
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A fire has destroyed dozens of homes, a college dorm and has blackened more than 2,000 acres in Montecito. The flames of the Tea Fire cover the foothills of Montecito and part of the Santa Barbara Riviera. The fire broke out around six o’clock last night and since then, more than 5,000 residents have been evacuated, four people have been injured (including two fire fighters) and at least 80 homes have been destroyed. Parts of Westmont College have been destroyed, including a dormitory and a faculty house. Students have been evacuated and are no longer in any danger. Currently there are more than 800 fire fighters on the front line, battling the blaze. This is the only major fire going on in California right now, making resources readily available. Ten air tankers will be coming in from throughout California to help with the fire in addition to the nine helicopters currently on duty. The wind is expected to die down for a little bit this morning, but will pick back up as the day continues. Many schools in the Santa Barbara area are closed. The County of Santa Barbara has activated a Public Information Call Line for the Tea Fire at 681.5197.
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