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On Wednesday, fierce winds and hot temperatures whipped the Santa Barbara Jesusita Fire into a frenzy destroying at least 20 hillside homes, possibly more. The fire, relatively small by California wildfire standards, quickly spread to Santa Barbara area homes forcing thousands to evacuate and filling the air with thick grey smoke.
The fire started early afternoon in the Santa Barbara Cathedral Peak area on May 5. The fire was relatively slow moving until yesterday afternoon when 50 mile per hour winds sent hot embers and flames roaring into the southern neighborhoods. Total acres covered quickly increased from 500 acres yesterday to over 1,300 this morning.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared Santa Barbara a state of emergency and vowed to find the funds to support the community during the state’s budget crisis.
Thousands of firefighters from around the state as well as surrounding states are assisting Santa Barbara firefighters from the ground trying to contain the fire. A few have been injured with minor to moderate burns, a head injury and respiratory problems. Two Santa Barbara residents also received minor and second-degree burns from the fire.
Helicopters and aircraft are attacking the fire and flames from above, dropping water and fire retardant on the hot spots. All large animals are being evacuated to Santa Barbara’s Earl Warren Showground and small animals are being taken to Goleta’s Humane Society.
The Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District has issued an Air Quality Warning for Southern Santa Barbara; areas affected vary depending on wind direction. Due to the smoke and soot particles from the Jesusita fire, the air quality is extremely poor. People with heart or lung disease are encouraged to avoid being outdoors. “The fire is very spotty and patchy and there’s a lot of smoke” Santa Barbara County Fire Captain David Sadecki said.
Unfortunately, the Santa Barbara weather forecast is calling for similar conditions - wind gusts up to 50 mph and temperatures over 100 degrees. The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for fire danger throughout the county and state.
Author Andee Nast is free lance writer, California Realtor®, Real Estate Investor. You are welcome to contact Andee at andeen@charter.net or 1-800-694-2265 extension 15 or on my website http://www.andeeallen.com
Posted May 7th, 2009 by andeallen
