Wind Picks Up, Homes Burn in Santa Barbara Fire

Some homes are burning down this afternoon in the Jesusita Fire, which broke out yesterday afternoon, according to TV news stations with helicopter coverage (however, it should be noted that the officials have confirmed no burned structures as of yet). Initially reported at 420 total acres burned, officials lowered the number after overestimating the size due to smoke cover. It currently has burned 200 acres with thousands of people evacuated, says to the Associated Press.

Earlier today, winds calmed down giving firefighters an edge, but as the day continued, strong winds called sundowners, which "blow downslope through passes and canyons of the mountain range and offshore," kicked up enraging the fire even more and overwhelming resources. “We had anticipated a wind event, and we certainly got it," spokesperson David Sadecki said at a 5 p.m. press conference.