Fire Season NOT over! Fire in Montecito

8 PM tonight, breaking news in Santa Barbara reported a wildfire in Montecito. I will look for more details and post them here.

Multiple structures on fire. Called, “The Tea Incident” at this time. Strike teams being mobilized from all over. Reports on number of structures and number of acres are all over the map, and thus unreliable, at this time, however recent (9:30 pm) reports indicate 300 acres, and 7 homes burned The “sundowner” winds are creating significant problems. Gusts of up to 70 mph are reported, per NWS, which seems to be reliable. ALL off duty SBSO have been ordered to report for duty, per KCOY TV.

Fire seems to be above Highway 192 area, in between the Cold Springs Rd. and Hot Springs Rd. possibly heading toward 101, but reports are really sketchy. Fire said to have started around 6 pm.

4 AM -Throughout the night, strike teams from all over the state have been ordered to report to the TEA fire. Reports are that 80 homes have been destroyed, so far, as well as several buildings at Westmont College. As of 4 AM, 2000 acres are reported, and 500-1000 firefighters on scene to keep the fire from spreading west into Santa Barbara. Air support has been ordered for dawn.

USFS Central Coast IMT 7 (Jim Smith, Type 2) and CALFIRE IMT 10 (Pat Kerschen, Type 1) have both been ordered up to the Tea Fire. And if conditions allow, the DC-10 will be flying by 10 AM. Bringing in the big boys!

7 AM – Reports are 2500 acres and 100 homes burned. Oh, my.

Ever feel jinxed? I am supposed to drive through that area tomorrow (today) to see my Mom.