ScannerAndrew
Update by the Santa Barbara Zoo
We had a scary situation at the Zoo this afternoon when a fire started at the edge of the grounds around 4 PM. Luckily, the fire was put out quickly and all guests, staff, and animals are safe!
Our fantastic Zoo crew reacted quickly and efficiently when the fire was first reported, helping to relocate cars in the parking lot and notifying emergency services. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. The only damage was to vegetation and potential minor effects on a few Zoo storage units.
We would like to give a HUGE thank you to our incredible first responders that kept the Zoo and both human and animal lives safe! [Santa Barbara City Firefighters, Montecito Firefighters, and Santa Barbara Police], thank you so much for all you do to keep our community protected!
Update by the Santa Barbara Fire Department
SBFD responded to a vegetation fire in the 500 block of Niños Dr.
Fire crews were able to contain the fire and stop further spread. No damage to adjacent residential complex or the Zoo. Cause of the fire is under investigation.
By Scanner Andrew
Multiple callers are reporting a vegetation fire near the Zoo on Ninos Drive.
Video by Scanner Andrew
Anyone care to guess? I will. Homeless fire.
Yup, had another fire intentionally started this afternoon
by one of our homeless neighbors at Stoke Road near the RR tracks. Not a warming or cooking fire – just malicious arson. Witnesses saw him do it, and flee the area.
Can there be any doubt, a fire in bushes during a windstorm, just another drug addled unhoused neighbor posing a threat to the community. Under investigation, of course. Must have been a monkey from the Zoo. Battle for the Planet of the Apes!