Santa Barbara fire: Power tools fingered as source of blaze
May 10, 2009 | 1:00
pm
Santa Barbara County officials said that the Jesusita wildfire that has charred 8,700 acres, destroyed 31 homes and damaged 47 others was apparently sparked by power tools being used to clear brush.
Officials said they believe workers were using the power tools to clear brush along the Jesusita trail in the area of San Roque and Tunnel roads between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. last Monday and Tuesday.
Investigators are also requesting information from anyone who may have witnessed any activity in the area of Inspiration Point.
The location has been closed because of the ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information that could be helpful in the investigation is asked to call (805) 686-5074 or e-mail sbctip@sbcfire.com
-- Tony Barboza
Related:
Latest: Most fire evacuation orders lifted
Feature: In the eye of the firestorm
Twitter: For live updates throughout the day, follow us @latimescitydesk or view full Twitter search stream.
Interactive: View panoramic images
Your Scene: Reader photos | Submit photos
Big Burn: The Times' Pulitzer Prize-winning series on the cost and growth of wildfires.
