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Strange Smoke Coming from Hope Ranch Hill

Similar to unsolved situation five years ago

Written by KEYT Reporter

Story Created: Aug 12, 2011 at 6:38 PM PDT

Story Updated: Aug 15, 2011 at 11:42 AM PDT

Santa Barbara - An unsolved mystery is smoldering on a dirt hillside below Hope Ranch.

Smoke and steam are coming out of the soil, very similar to an event in October 2006.

Geologists have said a landslide five years ago may have opened up a crack in the bluff. That may have added oxygen to an underground super heated tar site.

The hot zone is being controlled with sprinklers spraying waters in all directions. A fence is also up in the area to keep inquisitive beach walkers away.

Santa Barbara County Fire officials say there is no immediate threat to the area or risk to the public.

KEY News Senior Reporter John Palminteri has the story.
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