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Montecito Fire Protection District
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Structure Fire – Hot Springs Road

By Montecito Fire
May 08, 2013 at 02:09 PM

MONTECITO, CA - At approximately 7:45 in the evening of December 29, Montecito Fire Protection District and allied agencies responded to a report of a structure fire. Upon arrival, the Montecito Battalion Chief surveyed the smoke pouring from the front of the building and promptly ordered additional resources from Carpinteria/Summerland Fire District and Santa Barbara City. Due to the size of the building, it's age and type of building construction, extinguishing the fire required additional firefighters and resources from Santa Barbara City Fire and Santa Barbara County Fire. In all, a total of almost 50 firefighting personnel responded to the incident arriving with 12 fire engines, two light and air apparatus and other specialized equipment. In addition,seven chief officers arrived to assist with management and logistical needs. One firefighter sustained smoke inhalation injuries and was treated on scene by Montecito Fire Paramedics . The firefighter was transported to Cottage Hospital by American Medical Response where he was evaluated and released to home several hours later. 

The resident of the home in the 400 block of Hot Springs Road related to Fire Department investigators that he was initially alerted to the growing blaze by the front doorbell, that started to ring unexpectedly. As the resident went to the door, he saw white smoke coming from the floor and immediately called 9-1-1. He evacuated the building with his family and then assisted firefighters in their efforts to locate the fire. 

The fire was eventually knocked down at approximately 2:00am, with final suppression crews released around 3:30am. 

"Without prompt and aggressive action provided by our local fire departments, law enforcement personnel, the Red Cross and American Medical Response, we would not have seen as positive of an outcome. The crews that came together in the middle of the night to take such a strong stand against this fire are to be commended and have my sincerest thanks,” said Chief Chip Hickman of the Montecito Fire District. "We remain committed to the best resolution for the victims of this fire and the speedy recovery of the injured firefighter." Chief Hickman also related that over 50% of the building was spared and many of the historically important contents were saved due to the coordinated efforts of those at the scene. 

At this time, the cause of the fire remains under investigation. There is currently no estimate of damages to the structure or contents.

Posted in Noteworthy Incidents.
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