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Blaze destroys scores of homes in posh California community
A wildfire raged in the hills near southern California's upscale Santa Barbara coast after razing the celebrity enclave of Montecito
- Agencies
- Published: 13:38 November 14, 2008
- Barbara Pointer and her daughter Katie embrace as firefighters extinguish the last flames from their home.
- Image Credit: AP
Montecito: A wildfire raged in the hills near southern California's upscale Santa Barbara coast after razing the celebrity enclave of Montecito.
At least 13 people were injured and more than 100 homes destroyed in the wildfire.
Among those who have lost houses in the community is actor Christopher Lloyd. Talk-show host Oprah Winfrey and actor Rob Lowe said their properties were spared.
The fire erupted on Thursday evening and scorched about 1,500 acres by Friday morning, devouring mansions and luxury estates.
Residents of some 5,500 homes were evacuated in Montecito, the neighbouring city of Santa Barbara and surrounding areas.
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency for Santa Barbara County County.
Winfrey, the town's best-known resident, opened her Chicago-based show talking about the fire and showing live TV news footage of the blaze, which she said was burning "about 2 miles from my house."
Lowe, a neighbour of Winfrey, said he and his son fled their home after his wife called them to warn: "Montecito's on fire. Get out!"
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