We’re on Fire Alert here in Santa Barbara.

A fire broke out this morning in the Painted Cave area in the foothills above Santa Barbara.  Evacuations are taking place, Reverse 911 calls are going out, and the Search & Rescue unit of the SB Sheriff’s Department is going door-to-door to evacuate people.

We have a history with fires in our community.  The Jesusita Fire in 2009 burned 8,733 acres and 80 homes, the Goleta Gap Fire burned over 2800 acres in 2008, and Montecito’s Tea Fire, also in 2008, burned 200 homes.  Painted Cave was the starting point for the devastating Painted Cave Fire in 1990 that destroyed 600 homes, and today’s fire is located in the same area –  off the 154, in the Painted Cave area, and a quarter of a mile from the Lotus Retreat.

Everyone is vigilant at this time of the year – when the weather turns hot and dry, and the sundowner winds kick up at the end of the day.  Today’s fire broke out around 8:00 a.m. and by 8:40 they have already named it “Lookout Fire.”  It’s never a good sign when they name these incidents.

I’ll post more information as I learn about it.