Luckily for as ash encrusted SANTA BARBARA but not for Los Angeless undowner winds gusted to the south and east whipping a wildfire near UCLA Medical Center but sparing Santa Barbara-Montecito. A 98-year old man evacuated from the Santa Barbara wildfire area has died. But, it is unclear whether his death is fire related. Otherwise injuries have been minor except for two hospitalized burn victims.
More people evacuated overnight mostly as a precautionary move lest win suddenly whip up again. The count for destroyed or damaged homes is approaching 200 but no complete count is yet possible – no one is allowed back into the fire area.
An acquaintance told me last evening his grand parents home is in the area but its condition is unknown but another friend’s home burned. A USC fan he says wearing my Ohio State sweatshirt is the worst thing of all. Actor Rob Lowe and his family narrowly escaped the blaze but their home burned to the ground.
The winds are calm this morning but temperatures are expected in the low 80s by afternoon. Although the fire area is not yet contained inside a fire line there is optimism that the worst is past.
The thump of helicopter blades and the sound of siren have ended after almost 48 unnerving hours.
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