Friday, November 14, 2008

More than 100 homes destroyed in Santa Barbara County fire

Tea fire

Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times
Officials say that more than 100 homes might have been destroyed by the Tea fire in the coastal foothills near Montecito.
The strong winds that drove the fire in the night die down, but heat could become another challenge.
By Steve Chawkins and Catherine Saillant and Molly Hennessy-Fiske 
November 15, 2008
Reporting from Los Angeles and Montecito -- A fast-moving fire destroyed more than 100 homes and charred at least 2,500 acres in Santa Barbara County, forcing the evacuation of thousands from luxury neighborhoods in the coastal foothills.

High winds that had wreaked havoc earlier in the night died down as the blaze, dubbed the Tea fire, continued to move slowly west toward Santa Barbara. 

 
"We're hoping for better weather today. Our latest reports are that we should have better winds," said Terri Nisich, Santa Barbara County's assistant executive officer. 

Nisich said they had no estimate this morning on when the fire might be contained. Fire officials expect winds to drop to 10 to 15 mph today, but they may face another challenge: heat. Temperatures are expected to climb into the mid-80s, she said. About 500 firefighters were battling the fire this morning, with more expected from neighboring counties and throughout the state, as well as added engines, nine helicopters and 10 air tankers, Nisich said.

Rest of The Story at LATimes.com

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