Preparation and Response Save Lives and Homes in SB Blaze

Firefighters are earning horn-tooting, sign-waving thanks from grateful Santa Barbara County residents for saving hundreds of homes in the sprawling Jesusita Fire. Area firefighters returned the complement, pointing to diligent advance preparation and early evacuation as critical to their success. More than 3,000 first responders have responded to the blaze, which has charred some 9,000 acres and is currently 80 percent contained.