Saturday Night Fire Destroys Montecito Bungalow

A fire tore through a Montecito bungalow located at 492 Cota Lane on Saturday night. The 600-square-foot redwood home’s construction — including shake-shingle roof and open-beam ceilings — made it a perfect tinder box.

The Montecito fire department dispatched engines at 9:03 p.m. and responded to a second alarm at 9:08 p.m., according to a Montecito Fire Protection District press release. Six engines were at the scene, as well as other emergency vehicles.

A pressurized water extinguisher exploded while firemen were present, but nobody was injured. Red Cross aided the displaced residents.

According to Montecito Fire spokesperson Geri Ventura, the cause of the blaze has not been determined, but investigators have ruled out suspicious activity. The fire began in a bathroom in the northeast corner of the home.