NAMES IN THE NEWS : Giraffes Safe Though Barn Burns
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SANTA BARBARA — A giraffe barn on pop music superstar Michael Jackson’s ranch went up in flames, but the lanky giants kept as exotic pets were evacuated safely.
Firefighters also kept flames from reaching a nearby animal compound and chimpanzee house Tuesday at the ranch in the Santa Ynez Mountains, northwest of here, officials said.
When firefighters reached the remote ranch, the barn was destroyed and the three giraffes kept there were already evacuated, said county Fire Capt. Charlie Johnson.
Jackson, whose menagerie includes a chimpanzee named Bubbles, ostriches, llamas and boa constrictors, was not at the ranch at the time, a spokesman for the singer said.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, but it is believed to have been ignited accidentally, Johnson said.
The blaze did an estimated $300,000 in damage.
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