A brush fire ignited near Santa Barbara, California on November 13, 2008. The blaze, dubbed the "Tea Fire," destroyed more than 200 homes in the upscale area of Montecito. As of November 19, officials reported that the fire was 95% contained. Authorities believe the fire was caused by a bonfire that continued to smolder after a college party.Los Angeles Times: Bonfire party caused Montecito fire (November 18, 2008)
Cause
Authorities believe that the fire's source leads to a bonfire held during a party which was likely left smoldering. A group of ten college students claim to have lit the fire at an abandoned Tea mansion. They claim to have extinguished the flames, though officials believe that smoldering ash was likely reignited by high winds.Los Angeles Times: Bonfire party caused Montecito fire (November 18, 2008)
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Dubbed the "Tea Fire" because authorities think it began in an area known as the Tea GardenThe Santa Barbara Independent: Tea Fire Update (November 13, 2008)
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Celebrities included in evacuations
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Fire likely caused by bonfire at college party held at Tea mansionLos Angeles Times: Bonfire party caused Montecito fire (November 18, 2008)
