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Authorities say a bonfire built by a group of students sparked a deadly November 2008 wildfire in the hills near Montecito, California. The blaze, dubbed the "Tea Fire," destroyed more than 200 homes, injured more than two dozen people and burned several buildings on the campus of Westmont College. Police said on November 18, 2008, that the students involved could face criminal charges in the case. After much initial speculation, it has been reported that nine of then students attend Santa Barbara City College.Santa Barbara Independent: [1] (November 19, 2008)
Westmont College is situated in the hills of Montecito. The flames destroyed several buildings on campus, including the structures that house the physics and psychology departments. Several suites of a dormitory and 15 faculty homes were also destroyed. The fire burned through the eucalyptus grove on campus.MyFox Los Angeles: 100 Homes Destroyed, 4 injured in Montecito Fire (November 14, 2008)
Montecito is the home to several celebrities. Oprah Winfrey owns a 42-acre estate in the area, and Rob Lowe and Michael Douglas both live in Montecito. Charlie Chaplin and Fatty Arbuckle lived in the landmark Montecito Inn that was built in the 1920s.MyFox Los Angeles: 100 Homes Destroyed, 4 injured in Montecito Fire (November 14, 2008)
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Fast Facts
- Fire in Montecito, Santa Barbara started at about 6: 00 p.m. on Thursday, November 13, 2008
- Fire began in the Cold Springs area of MontecitoCNN: More than 100 homes burned in California blaze (November 14, 2008)
- Driven by 50-70 mile-per-hour windsCNN: More than 100 homes burned in California blaze (November 14, 2008)
- By 4: 00 a.m on November 14, 2008, the fire had raged across 2,500 acresCNN: More than 100 homes burned in California blaze (November 14, 2008)
- By midmorning on Sunday, November 16, 75% of the fire was containedThe Lompoc Record: 'Minimal threat' seen from Tea fire; containment now at 75% (November 16, 2008)
- At least 25 people were injured in the blazeLos Angeles Times: Bonfire built by students caused Montecito fire, sheriff says (November 19, 2008)
- More than 200 homes were destroyed by the fireLos Angeles Times: Bonfire built by students caused Montecito fire, sheriff says (November 19, 2008)
- Blaze destroyed campus buildings at Westmont College
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Related pages on Mahalo
Santa Barbara Fire | Tea Fire | Marek Wildfires | Napa Valley Wildfire | California Fires | California Wildfires June 2008 | Los Angeles | California | Malibu Fire | Sierra Madre Wildfire | Canyon Country Fire | San Diego Fire | Sesnon Fire | Santa Ana Winds | Fontana Wildfire | Sepulveda Pass Fire | Santa Barbara | Westmont College | Sundowner Winds | Montecito Inn | San Ysidro Ranch | Alhambra Fire | Marc Torchi
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Tea Fire Information and Evacuation Map
montecitofire.com -
Los Angeles Times: Bonfire built by students caused Montecito fire, sheriff says
latimes.com (November 19, 2008) -
Sky News: Fire 'Sparked by Student Bonfire'
news.sky.com (November 19, 2008) -
Montecito Fire Department: Tea Fire
montecitofire.com -
Santa Barbara County Office Emergency Services: Tea Fire Information
countyofsb.org -
CNN: More than 100 homes burned in California blaze
cnn.com (November 14, 2008) -
Los Angeles Times: Fire destroys 80 houses in Montecito
latimes.com (November 14, 2008)
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Tea Fire Information and Evacuation Map
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Montecito Fire on Twitter Powered by Twitter
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Montecito Fire is testing Nixle as an information distribution system. Find out more at www.nixle.com.
@montecitofire | October 30, 2009 05:26 PM -
Reminder: MERRAG training is happening at Montecito Fire Headquarters - 3:15PM, 11/5/09 - Topic: Disaster Psychology http://nixle.us/EBWX
@montecitofire | October 30, 2009 05:13 PM
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Questions and Answers About Montecito Fire | View All | Ask a Question
View All Montecito Fire Questions (336) | Ask a QuestionHow do fires "jump" across several miles of a city? (1 Answer)Hello @leachypeachy, This is typically the result of wind and burning debris (a la sparks) being carried from the burning section of the city (or woods, wherever) and falling on ... read moreHow long will the Centralia Mine Fires burn? (1 Answer)It's predicted that the Centralia coal mine fires will burn for another 250 years. Here are interesting facts which i read and like to share with others. ---quote--- Anthracite coal ... read moreIn Fallout 3, whats the best way to kill the fire ants in Greyditch? (2 Answers)Shoot them in the head from long range.Sniper/hunting/assault rifle works best. Don't let them close with you. Retreat and return if necessary. Keep them in front of you. Use frag ... read moreIs sitting in your swimming pool safe if you are caught in a fire? (3 Answers)It isn't a recommendation I've found, and I can imagine it would be dangerous because of how fast the water could become heated. You wouldn't want to be boiled alive! ... read more
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Montecito Fire News
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- People: Rob Lowe Describes Dramatic Evacuation from Wildfire (November 15, 2008)
- Ktla.com: At Least 100 Homes Destroyed by Montecito Wildfire (November 14, 2008)
- MyFox Los Angeles: 100 Homes Destroyed, 4 injured in Montecito Fire (November 14, 2008)
- The Santa Barbara Independent: Tea Fire Expands Dramatically (November 14, 2008)
- San Jose Mercury News: Raging Calif. fire destroys 100 homes, injures 13 (November 14, 2008)
- VenturaCountyStar: Fast-Moving Wilfdfire Consumes Montecito (November 14, 2008)
- L.A. Now (LAT): Dangerous 'Sundowner' winds made Montecito fire explode (November 14, 2008)
- KEYT.com: 6:30 a.m Tea Fire Evacuation Orders and Fire Information (November 14, 2008)
- Evangelical Covenant Church: Montecito Church Threatened by Fast-Moving Fire (November 14, 2008)
- Telegraph: Wildfires tears through California town home to Oprah Winfrey (November 14, 2008)
