SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (AP) - Lighter-than-expected winds helped
firefighters today in their battle against a dangerous wildfire
that destroyed more than 100 homes in the wealthy enclave of
Montecito.

But authorities caution that the blaze is still "zero percent
contained" and could flare up tonight as wind gusts of up to 30
mph pick up at sundown. Several more homes burned today in a quaint
and secluded area that has attracted celebrities such as Rob Lowe,
Jeff Bridges, Michael Douglas and Oprah Winfrey, who owns a 42-acre
estate there.

Santa Barbara Mayor Marty Blum said between 100 and 200 homes
may have been damaged or destroyed. Authorities asked for patience
from residents as crews try to catalog the damage.

A city fire official says all homes may not be accounted for
until Sunday.



(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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