Tea Fire facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tea Fire |
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| Location | Montecito, California, United States |
| Statistics | |
| Cost | $5.7 million (2008 USD) |
| Date(s) | November 13, 2008–November 17, 2008 17:50 PDT (1:50 UTC) |
| Burned area | 1,940 acres (785 ha) |
| Land use | Residential; Open space |
| Deaths | Potentially 1 |
| Non-fatal injuries | 13 |
| Perpetrator(s) | 10 college students |
| Motive | Bonfire party |
The Tea Fire, also known as the Montecito Tea Fire, was a big wildfire that started on November 13, 2008. It destroyed 210 homes in the towns of Montecito and Santa Barbara, California in the United States. This fire was one of several wildfires that burned many homes in November 2008.
The Tea Fire began in Montecito at a historic building called the "Tea House." This is how the fire got its name. Strong winds, called Sundowner winds, helped the fire spread very quickly. These winds blew at speeds up to 85 miles per hour (137 km/h). The fire then spread into the city of Santa Barbara. Firefighters worked hard to control it. By November 17, 2008, the fire was almost out, having burned 1,940 acres (785 ha). It was fully contained by November 18.
On November 15, 2008, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger visited the areas burned by the Tea Fire. He said the destroyed areas looked "like hell."
Contents
How the Fire Started
For the first few days, officials investigated what caused the fire. On November 17, they announced it was caused by people. The next day, investigators said that a group of ten college students, aged 18 to 22, were responsible.
These students had a bonfire party at the abandoned Tea House late on November 12 and early on November 13. The students told investigators they put out their fire. However, authorities believe the fire was still smoldering. The strong winds on Thursday afternoon then caused it to burst into a large wildfire.
Some of the students involved were from Santa Barbara City College. The president of Westmont College confirmed that none of their students were involved.
What Happened Because of the Fire
Injuries and People Leaving Their Homes
Officials reported that 13 people were hurt in the fire. Ten people had trouble breathing from smoke inhalation. Three people had burn injuries, and one was seriously hurt.
The fire made 5,400 homes empty, meaning 15,000 people had to leave. About 2,700 people were able to go back home by November 16, 2008. One 98-year-old man who left his home passed away. Officials were not sure if his death was directly caused by the fire or his other health issues.
Homes Destroyed
The Tea Fire destroyed 210 homes in Montecito and Santa Barbara. More than half of these homes, 106, were in Santa Barbara. The rest were in Montecito. One of the homes that burned down belonged to actor Christopher Lloyd. He is famous for playing "Doc" Brown in the Back to the Future movies.
Westmont College Damage
The campus of Westmont College was badly damaged by the fire. However, no one on campus was hurt. The college had a plan for everyone to stay in a safe place, which helped keep people safe. About 800 people, including students and staff, stayed in the gymnasium while the fire burned very close.
The Physics Lab, Psychology Building, Math Building, and 15 homes for teachers were destroyed. Two parts of the Clark residence hall were also completely burned. The college was closed to students until December 1 while they cleaned up and repaired the damage.
Mount Calvary Retreat House and Monastery
The Mount Calvary Retreat House and Monastery in Santa Barbara was also destroyed by the fire.
See also
In Spanish: Incendio de Montecito Tea para niños
Images for kids
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