[ From "Extreme heat keeps fire going strong - Mandatory evacuations expand west to Turnpike," By DAILY SOUND STAFF -- May 8, 2009 ]

... 2:53 p.m. update: A somber Das Williams, Santa Barbara city councilmember, described a late-morning tour through parts of Mission Canyon ravaged by flames yesterday afternoon.

"It was really strange," he said. "It was different than what you'd expect. It wasn't one line of homes destroyed. It almost seemed at random. There would be one totally destroyed and right next to it there would be one totally untouched. It was really kind of a patchwork of destruction and salvation."

While he had yet to hear an official figure of homes destroyed, Williams said he personally saw more than 20 lost residences.

The councilmember visited hard-hit Palomino and Tunnel roads, as well as Skofield and Rattlesnake canyons, which appeared to have fared the firestorm somewhat better. He described narrow roadways with vegetation growing thick on both sides, seemingly wide enough for only a large car, much less a full-sized fire engine.

"You could see how dangerous it would be for firefighters to be in that area when the fire was threatening to engulf them," Williams said.

After speaking with fire officials, he said the emphasis remains on populated areas along the southern edge of the fire. The goal to the eastern and northern flanks appear to be holding flames to East Camino Cielo and Gibraltar Road, he said.

"Because the terrain is so difficult on the north and the east, they seem to be moving the lines to a very defensible position," Williams said.

Labels: Jesusita Fire