BREAKING NEWS 300 acres burnt in 2008 Santa Barbara Montecito Fire tonight! The 2008 Santa Barbara Fire near Montecito started tonight on Cold Spring Road. News from Santa Barbara says mandatory evacuations are now underway

Here is the latest on the Santa Barbara Montecito Fire, 9 PM PST

MANDATORY EVACUATIONS now underway above Hwy 192 (East Valley Rd/Sycamore Cyn Rd.) between Cold Springs Rd and Hot Springs Rd.
Evacuation Center: San Marcus High School

WESTMONT COLLEGE – fires are reported on campus, students not in danger. They are under evacuation to the College’s gym.

Voluntary / possibly soon Mandatory Evacuations:
Hot Springs Road, Sycamore Canyon, Salinas to Highway 101

- Major loss of power
- Seven homes burned

Shelters:
San Marcos High School on Hollister Avenue
Manning Park on San Ysidro Road in Montecito.

Small animals: Humane Society on Patterson Avenue
Large animals:Earl Warren Show grounds off of Las Positas

No aircraft is airborn yet, two are on en route. The fire reportedly can be seen for miles.

The fire broke out in the area above the hills of Montecito two hours ago, at 6 pm PST tonight. Winds are intense causing evacuations at this moment.

For continuing coverage of this and other possible fire outbreaks in Southern California, click here: http://news.lalate.com/category/fires.