Local firefighters offer relief in Santa Barbara

With thousands of acres already scorched and winds fanning the growing flames, Newport-Mesa firefighters are helping out in Santa Barbara County.

Costa Mesa sent one fire engine, and Newport Beach sent two along with three battalion chiefs Friday to the Tea Fire in Montecito, officials said.

The engines are part of a larger strike team, a group of five engines and trucks and more than 20 firefighters given a specific assignment. Generally, Orange County strike teams aid in protecting homes from inbound flames.

The Tea Fire started Thursday evening and, according to state officials Friday night, has burned more than 2,000 acres.

More than 1,500 homes are threatened, with 100 others already damaged.

Montecito and Santa Barbara City are under mandatory evacuations with parts of Santa Barbara County also instructed to evacuate.

— Joseph Serna