Brush fires caused by wind cause evacuations and burn at least 20 houses in Goleta

GOLETA, Calif. (KABC) –

A swift and rapidly moving bush fire in Goleta destroyed homes and caused hundreds of evacuations on Friday night.

A fire was reported around 9 pm in block 1500 of Holiday Hill Road. The County Sheriff's Department of Santa Barbara said that a fire had started in a house before spreading to nearby bushes

. The campfire quickly spread and, within 45 minutes, was threatening the homes of 1300 and 1400 blocks of Fairview Avenue. Oaks Cathedral

Images of these areas have shown that some houses were inflamed as the sun set at 45 mph and that warm conditions fueled the fire.

At least 20 houses were destroyed by fire and between 2,200 and 2,500 evacuees.

Mike Eliason, fire chief in Santa Barbara County, said he saw several structures burned and that the conditions were dangerous.

More than 30 engines and two night helicopters were trying to control the fire that had spread quickly. was installed at Goleta Valley Community Center, 5679 Hollister Ave. Anyone who needs help in evacuating animals has been asked to call (805) 681-4332

The cause of the fire is under investigation