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Cause of Santa Barbara Fire: Related to Fire Prevention?
It's been nearly a week since the Jesusita Fire began in Santa Barbara and now officials are saying that, oddly enough, it may have been caused by someone clearing brush, something used to help prevent fire damage on homes. A total of 8,733 acres have burned, leaving 77 homes destroyed and 22 damaged, according to the County of Santa Barbara. Additionally, 60 outbuildings have been destroyed and 69 outbuildings were damaged. As of this morning, 70% of the fire has been contained, but expected winds on Tuesday could cause the fire to flare up.
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
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