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. Cathedral Oaks.

Images of these areas showed burning houses, as strong sun and hot conditions fueled the fire.

At least 20 houses were destroyed by fire and about 1,200 people were evacuated. evacuation center was set up at Goleta Valley Community Center, 5679 Hollister Ave. Anyone who needs help with animal evacuations has been invited to call (805) 681-4332

The cause of the fire is under investigation