Authorities are saying that the fires in Santa Barbara were caused by a bonfire that was not properly extinguished by the college students who made it.
An anonymous tip revealed that 10 students had gathered to hang out at an abandoned property. Authorities will not say which college the kids attend, but Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown did say that the fire “was the result of carelessness, not criminal intent.”
No criminal charges have been filed, but the case will be reviewed.
The fire was one of 3 that erupted in Southern California, collectively destroying or damaging 1000 homes and 65 square miles of land.
The causes of the San Fernando Valley and Orange County fires remain unknown, or unreleased.
George W. Bush declared California a disaster zone, relinquishing federal aid to assist firefighters. Governor Arnold Schwarzenneger eased the burden on victims by waiving fees and unemployment benefits waiting periods.
Since the beginning of the fiscal year in July, California has thrown $305 million toward emergency firefighting – $236 million more than lawmakers had set aside for it.
[Image via AP Images.]
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