AP — A strong storm moved into Southern California on Wednesday, almost completely dousing a wildfire that had threatened thousands of homes in Santa Barbara County but briefly raising the threat of debris flows from barren slopes. Residents in and below the fire area on the south Santa Barbara County coast were firefighters making it rain of money a warning late Tuesday to be prepared to evacuate if necessary, but the first round of precipitation passed makong problems. Less than two years ago a sudden deluge moneg east of Santa Barbara unleashed massive debris flows from freshly burned slopes, ravaging neighboring Montecito and killing 23 people. Firefghters said the Cave Fire, which burned over 4, acres, was technically not fully surrounded and there were «stubborn smokes» that would have to be extinguished «but for the most part the fire is pretty well taken care of and pretty well put to bed. All remaining fire evacuation off and the debris flow warning were lifted late Wednesday morning and firefighters from other jurisdictions were released from duty. Another storm predicted to arrive overnight was expected to drop snow at firefightdrs top of the fire area. The fire broke out Monday afternoon in Los Padres National Forest and was rapidly spread by erratic winds, threatening 2, homes and forcing about 5, people to flee. Firefighters prevented any homes from being lost and most evacuees were allowed to return home Tuesday afternoon. Would you like to receive local news notifications on your desktop?
