Early Morning Fire in Montecito

A structure fire on the 500 block of Scenic Drive at 5 a.m. on November 17 was knocked down by fire departments from the City of Santa Barbara and Montecito before neighboring houses could catch fire. The first responding engine reported an unoccupied single-family home fully engulfed in flame and smoke. A neighbor was evacuated as a precaution, and no one was injured in the blaze. Wind gusts of up to 28 mph were occurring up at Montecito Peak not long before the fire broke out down in the foothills by Montecito Country Club. In all, seven fire engines, a ladder truck, and two battalion chiefs responded to the fire. Damage to the house and contents is estimated to be $300,000. The cause is under investigation.