May 06, 2009
Jesusitas Fire Taking Out Homes in Santa Barbara County
From a distance the Jesusitas Fire that began last evening looked fairly benign. Fire officials were "cautiously optimistic" this morning that firefighters would be able to lock this one down with minimum acreage and property loss.
Optimism was dashed late this afternoon as brisk offshore winds carried embers into adjoining neighborhoods resulting in numerous multi-million dollar family homes being burned to the ground.
Overhead camera shots from of the area of Tunnel Road and Mission Canyon Roads in Santa Barbara County show at least a dozen homes fully involved.
Terrain offers dense vegetation and steep slopes with homes occupying every ridge top. It's apparent defensible space ordinances are only a nuisance to many residents of this community.
Two firefighters have been injured according to NBC4 News in Los Angeles.
More at NBCLA.com
Optimism was dashed late this afternoon as brisk offshore winds carried embers into adjoining neighborhoods resulting in numerous multi-million dollar family homes being burned to the ground.
Overhead camera shots from of the area of Tunnel Road and Mission Canyon Roads in Santa Barbara County show at least a dozen homes fully involved.
Terrain offers dense vegetation and steep slopes with homes occupying every ridge top. It's apparent defensible space ordinances are only a nuisance to many residents of this community.
Two firefighters have been injured according to NBC4 News in Los Angeles.
More at NBCLA.com
Labels: 2009 Fire Season, Sundowners
Comments:
<< Home
Great post. I was watching some CBS footage and there is a great deal of spotting going on in the neighborhoods. Of course the spots are being fanned by high winds combined with high temps and low RH. And you are very very right.
Defensible space is just NOT there. The city has suffered through many wildfires and yet people allow dry brush and old shrubbery to crowd in very close to each and every home. I am not talking healthy well-watered greenery, I am talking highly flammable shrubs and trees. I feel badly for everyone, including SB Fire firefighters and others who may lose their homes.
Fire danger is only mounting. Fire season is all year now.
Dave
Post a Comment
Defensible space is just NOT there. The city has suffered through many wildfires and yet people allow dry brush and old shrubbery to crowd in very close to each and every home. I am not talking healthy well-watered greenery, I am talking highly flammable shrubs and trees. I feel badly for everyone, including SB Fire firefighters and others who may lose their homes.
Fire danger is only mounting. Fire season is all year now.
Dave
<< Home
