Yurt Fire Cause Remains Undetermined

SANTA BARBARA – Santa Barbara County Fire Department says the cause of a yurt fire from last Friday on North San Marcos Road remains undetermined. Since the building was entirely damaged, a source of outbreak could not be located. Law enforcement issues where not reported. The fire broke out just before 9:00 am Friday morning on a private, rural lane below N. San Marcos Road. Santa Barbara County Fire Captain David Sadecki confirmed to KEY News that the burning yurt contained a lot of ammunition and a couple of weapons. “The ammunition went off for a total of 10 to 15 minutes while firefighters fought the fire,” Sadecki said.Sadecki said a venting propane tank also created a challenge, but luckily, recent rains and the fact that we’re in January rather than August helped crews keep the fire intact. Santa Barbara County’s Air Resources Unit helicopter made more than a dozen water drops to keep the flames from spreading. U.S. Forest and volunteer crews assisted in knocking down the flames within an hour but remained on scene throughout the day, mopping up hot spots.