<P> The 2017 California wildfire season was the most destructive in California's history, with approximately 9,133 wildfires that burned over 1.3 million acres (5,300 km) and killed 46 people . At the beginning of December, the Santa Ana winds fanned wildfires across southern California, which were fueled by a lack of rainfall during what is normally the region's rainy season . The December fires burned 307,953 acres (124,624 ha), 281,893 acres (114,078 ha) of which by the Thomas Fire, the largest fire in the state's history . The Thomas Fire, which devastated parts of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, burned large amounts of vegetation whose roots had helped stabilize topsoil in hillsides and other vulnerable areas . After burning for more than a month, the fire was declared fully contained on January 12, 2018 . </P> <P> A strong low - pressure system and cold front developed off the coast of California on January 5, 2018 . The system moved onto the mainland on January 8, bringing heavy rain to southern California and prompting mandatory evacuations in parts of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties over potential mudslides in areas affected by wildfires . The storm intensified on the following day, with two to four inches (50 to 100 mm) of rain falling over the two - day period, and causing several major mudflows . </P> <Table> <Tr> <Td> (Full screen) </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> Location of the Montecito mudflow </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> (Full screen) </Td> </Tr>

What was the date of the montecito mudslide