A brush fire burning on the north side of Goleta has forced the evacuation of thousands of people, and has destroyed some homes.
The fire started just after 8:30 Friday night north of Cathedral Oaks Road, and quickly spread. Temperatures near the 100 degree mark, and wind in the 40 mile an hour range made the blaze tough to fight as it moved through rugged foothill areas.
Santa Barbara County firefighters confirm at least a handful of homes have been lost.
The area north of Cathedral Oaks Road between La Patera and Patterson was ordered evacuated, an order which affected hundreds of homes. Firefighters say there is no word on possible containment, with the focus on protecting structures.
The Red Cross set up a shelter at the Goleta Valley Community Center. Animals can be taken to the Earl Warren Showgrounds.
While a number of surface streets have been closed, Highway 101 in Santa Barbara and Goleta is open, with no impacts from the fire. People are being asked not to call 911 for information, but to use the 211 system which has been activated to help provide updates.
