Rescue efforts continue in Montecito as community reels from deadly mudslide

MONTECITO, Calif. - Rescue crews continued to search for survivors amid the mud and wreckage of Montecito's massive debris field on Thursday, but acknowledged that the window to save lives is rapidly closing.

At least eight people remain unaccounted for following Tuesday's massive mud flow, which killed at least 17 people and obliterated scores of homes.

First responders have searched approximately 75 percent of the debris field left by a torrent of boulders, detritus and muck, according to Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown.