Emergency declared in California wildfire

MONTECITO, Calif., Nov. 14 (UPI) -- California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency in Santa Barbara County Friday as an out-of-control wildfire raged near Montecito.

The wind-driven Tea Fire, which broke out shortly after sunset Thursday, has destroyed up to 200 homes and forced an estimated 5,500 residents to evacuate their neighborhoods, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Santa Barbara County Fire Chief John Scherrei said Friday a buildup of brush was the cause of the fire.

"The fuse has been lit on this brush for 30 years," he said at a news conference. "I'm surprised we haven't lost 500 homes by now."

Geri Ventura, a spokeswoman for the Montecito Fire Protection District, said officials had cleared brush from homes and taken other preventive steps to protect the area, the Times said.

"It was the luck of the wind and the weather, not the lack of preparation," she said.

Schwarzenegger said in a written statement he was making all state resources available to fire commanders and was requesting assistance from the federal government as well.

The Montecito Fire Department issued a public appeal for county residents to conserve water to maintain the levels of critically low reservoirs.

The fire had burned an estimated 2,500 acres and had caused 10 injuries, including smoke inhalation and burns, as it was pushed into residential areas the Times described as having incredible views and stands of trees that include oaks and highly flammable eucalyptus.

Montecito, located a few hours north of Los Angeles, has attracted celebrity homeowners including actors Michael Douglas and Rob Lowe, and talk show host Oprah Winfrey.

Santa Barbara Bank & Trust Co. said it would cover hotel expenses through the weekend for residents displaced by the wildfire, the Times reported.