Fire forces evacuation of homes near Montecito

A fire that broke out shortly before noon in the hills above Montecito in Santa Barbara County has prompted a mandatory evacuation of some nearby homes, fire officials said.

The blaze grew to about five acres in less than an hour and was burning uphill in a remote area. Three  hikers in the area were attempting to walk to safety, officials said.

There were no reports of injuries or of homes damaged by flames.

Fire officials have asked for air tankers and water-dropping helicopters and one helicopter was already on scene.

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-- Jessica Garrison

Map: Approximate location of fire shown in red. Credit: Google Maps