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Friday evening: Possible relief from dry heat in Jesusita Fire
May 8, 2009 at 23:27
It is just about 11:30 PM ET and a marine layer (fog) has rolled in over Santa Barbara’s south coast. While the flames are still burning strong in the hills the winds are much calmer than forecast giving firefighters some reprieve from the hot and very dry conditions (less than 20% humidity yesterday) that along with offshore winds, helped fan the devastating flames yesterday. Evacuation orders remain as posted earlier.
Just before 8:00 PM PT the local, state and U.S. agencies fighting the Jesusita Fire released a statement with the following facts to date:
Fire Status:
- 8,600 acres burned
- 10% contained
- Damage assessment in progress – initial estimate of 80 homes have been damaged or destroyed
- Approximately 12,204 properties evacuated (mandatory evacuation orders); affects approx. 30,500 people
- More than 11,524 properties under evacuation warning; approx. 29,000 people affected
- Residences threatened – 3,500; commercial properties threatened – 100
- 3,455 personnel on scene: 428 engines, 78 crews
- 14 air tankers and 15 helicopters
- 11 firefighter injuries to date
- Cause under investigation: Tip line – 805-686-5074
- Air quality warning remains in effect
- Estimated costs to date $3.2 million
Tags: Add new tag, jesusita fire, wildfire
