Fire crews called to Montecito home
MONTECITO, Calif. (KEYT) – Fire crews could see the smoke on their way to put out a second-alarm structure fire at 588 Picacho Lane in Montecito.
Multiple fire trucks lined the lane and the long tree-lined driveway leading to the home in a gated compound.
Two battalion chief trucks, more medic engine vehicles and several other emergency cars arrived at the before 2:30 p.m. Monday.
The Montecito Fire Protection District confirmed one person was in the home during the fire but escaped without any injuries.
The Montecito Fire Protection District asked the public to avoid that portion of Picacho Lane for several hours as they cleared hot spots.
Smoke from the chimney spread to the second floor of the property.
Montecitpo Fire Chief Brian Fallon said they could see the smoke from their fire headquarters nearby.
"Right now they are making great headway looks like they might have poe gotten into the attack but they made a quick stop and prevented any further damage to the rest of the house," said Chief Fallon.
Neighbor Karen Peus said she got a called from a friend alerting her to the situation.
"Anytime you get weather like this hot dry air and it is hot dry air anything could happen and my neighbor just panicked," said Peus.
Chief Miller said this should serve as a reminder to be prepared with a go bag ready to evacuate.
The fire activated the sprinklers and crews were called in quickly to repair the water damage once fire crews put out the hot spots.
Firefighters cut through the roof to prevent the fire from spreading.
"This is not going to spread,the fire guys are on the roof right now being very cautious about tracing any spread of the fire," said Santa Barbara County Building Inspector Carl Lindberg, who arrived as the sun set.
The Fire Chief hopes it serves as a reminder to be prepared.
"Always be prepared, you know pop a go bag, ready to go, in the event that something happens let you're loved ones know where you're at, let your neighbor know make contact."
The Santa Barbara City Fire Department and Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District helped the MFPD in the fire response. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The property at 588 Picacho Lane had previous ownership from both comedian Dennis Miller and T.V. personality Ellen Degeneres, according to Siteline.
Real Estate sources said the large property sold several years ago for $55 million.
