Santa Barbara fire officials optimistic as threat decreases

Fire officials in Santa Barbara continued expressing optimism this afternoon. Helicopters are dousing hot spots, while ground crews are manning the edges of the fire to prevent its spread. The fire is still active on ridge tops.

"We feel confident that the threat is lessening," said Capt. Dave Sadecki of the Santa Barbara County Fire Department. He added, however, that a threat remains because much of the wildfire is still uncontrolled. Officials have pegged containment at 30%.

But with cooler and moister conditions today, fire officials have lifted mandatory evacuation orders for all areas south of Highway 192, including the Santa Barbara Mission -- neighborhoods where most of the 30,000 people ordered to leave their homes lived. Areas north of the road, in mostly mountainous terrain, remain under mandatory evacuation.

Highway 192 is still closed to vehicles but was open to pedestrians. Some residents heading back home lugged suitcases along the road.

A full news briefing is scheduled for 5 p.m.

-- Ann M. Simmons

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Comments

[Ron Lin, Los Angeles Times]

Yep, the donkey was found. Click on the link for the full story. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/05/santa-barbara-family-searches-for-missing-member.html