SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (AP) — Fire officials say a blaze has broken out in the hills above the tony community of Montecito, near Santa Barbara.

There was no immediate word of any homes threatened but some homes are being evacuated.

Capt. David Sadecki of the Santa Barbara County Fire Department said the blaze began shortly before noon Tuesday in heavy brush. It has spread across about five acres. Air tankers and water-dropping helicopters have been requested.

There were no reports of any injuries, but Sadecki said there were three hikers in the area who were trying to get to a safe place.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.