YouNews: Santa Barbara, Jesusita Fire

Fire evacuations are being lifted as cool, moist air tames a wind-driven wildfire that has burned dozens of homes along the outskirts of Santa Barbara.

More than 30-thousand people had been under mandatory evacuation orders, after the fire erupted last Tuesday on the face of a steep mountain above the city.

Local winds sweeping inland and down the face of the mountains drove the fire into outlying neighborhoods Wednesday afternoon, and again late Thursday and early Friday, causing most of the destruction. The terrain also helped to drive the expansion of the fire, raging on the coastal mountain slopes.

Fire officials report the blaze is now 70% contained, and full containment is expected by Wednesday. 5 air tankers, 10 helicopters and more that 4-thousand personnel are fighting the blaze.

The fire has destroyed more than 75 homes and 22 are damaged. Damages are estimated at $10.8 million dollars. 145 properties remain under mandatory evacuation orders.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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• Santa Barbara
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