Jesusita fire displaces 8,000 in California

Per the Los Angeles Times, more than 8,000 have been driven from their homes and at least 20 residences near the Pacific Ocean have been destroyed as the Jesusita fire rages on in Santa Barbara, Calif.

The fire is named for a nearby trail and is the third major fire in Santa Barbara in nine months, according to the article. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is expected to visit the affected area soon, and more than 1,300 fire personnel are fighting the blaze, the Times reports.

Like in past fires, many are using Twitter to distribute information.

1. 
   sunkiss (Isla Vista, Calif.) RT direct relief's distributing respirator masks for the public at Loreto Plaza (State and Las Positas) from noon to 3pm. #jesusita 07 May 2009 from web
2. 
   mekahlo (Los Angeles, Calif.) EMER ONLY CALL emergency operations ctr. # 805.681.5197 PLEASE call ONLY if u are a LOCAL resident. #sbfire #jesusita 06 May 2009 from Splitweet
3. 
   CJamz • (Santa Barbara County, Calif.) Emergency vehicles will be entering the area. Obey all directions given by law enforcement
   and fire personnel. #jesusita 06 May 2009 from web
4. 
   autaba (D.C./California) here for #jesusita sb fire updates, stay safe friends and family http://www.keyt.com/news/local/44422057.html 07 May 2009 from web

Many Twitterers are also sharing personal stories.

1. 
   aarchitect (Santa Monica, Calif.) My old place in Santa Barbara is now within the mandatory evacuation area. I hope they protect the Mission #jesusita #fire http://tr.im/kKuh 07 May 2009 from tr.im
2. 
   Lesley3fold (Sacramento, Calif.) Thinking about my cousin who is fighting the #Jesusita fire today. So happy/grateful he can help protect many of my friends homes. 07 May 2009 from TweetDeck
3. 
   webster69 (Maine) I loved Santa Barbara when we went there, I hope the #jesusita fire is not too damaging. Good luck everyone 07 May 2009 from TweetDeck
4. 
   elizgeli (Los Angeles, Calif.) just talked 2 my dad; relatives voluntarily evacuated last nite, there's a chance they might lose their house. #jesusita fire is very close 07 May 2009 from web
5. 
   mike_elgan (California) Wow. On the West Side of Santa Barbara, it just became dark like an eclipse due to smoke. #jesusita 06 May 2009 from web

Some are posting TwitPics:


"#Jesusita Fire in Santa Barbara. View of the front of the house with some crazy smoke action in the background." (Posted by @realsirius23, Santa Barbara, Calif.)


"View of Jesusita fire from my balcony. This is from San Antonio Creek Road west of the 154." (Posted by @chris_m_borden, Santa Barbara, Calif.)

Jesusita fire displaces 8,000 in California