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Historic Montecito Estate Fire
updated: Jul 14, 2012, 3:24 PM
By the Urban Hikers (Stacey Wright & Peter Hartmann)
Just before 2:00 am Saturday, Montecito Fire received a call for a ringing fire alarm at 281 Hot Springs
Road, which is between Middle Road and Olive Mill. As is standard procedure, one fire engine was sent
out to investigate. Arriving firefighters found smoke coming from the two-story mansion. They called
for more firefighter crews as they had determined they had an active structure fire on their hands. The
initial crew instigated a search of the home, in order to ascertain if there were any residents within.
There were, however, no residents in the house at the time of the fire.
The fire started under the floor and inside wall of one of the second story bathrooms and bedrooms,
which had been recently added or remodeled. It was reported that an outdoor, built-in gas patio heater
was on when the firefighters arrived. This space heater was located adjacent to the area of the fire.
Access to the fire was very difficult due to the building materials used and the older construction
methods of the original home. After a couple of hours of exhausting work, climbing ladders with lots of
gear and heavy protective wear, firefighters were assured that they had extinguished the fire. Crews
stayed on scene several hours for clean up and salvage operations. The home suffered major damage
due to the combined effects of the fire and smoke, and also from the water used to extinguish the
flames. There was no report of injuries.
Montecito Fire was the lead department in the suppression of this fire. Every Montecito firefighter on
duty was working this fire as were also several off duty Montecito firefighters who had been summoned,
presumably from their beds to duty. Santa Barbara City Fire provided two engine companies and one
ladder truck, all under the direction of a Battalion Chief. Carpinteria-Summerland Department provided
additional manpower and manned Montecito's Fire Station in case of an additional emergency. Ventura
County Fire moved one engine to Carpinteria to provide protection for Carpinteria and the surrounding
area.
The original Spanish-style house was reportedly built in 1923 by noted architect George Washington
Smith. Recently there has been a home and major renovation/remodel of the 6 bedroom 8.5 bathroom
house and grounds. An Internet search revealed the property, which sold in 2010 for $5.5 million is
currently listed for sale at an asking price of $8.95 million
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