Santa Barbara: Tea Fire Rebuilding Deadline Looms

 City of Santa Barbara: Tea Fire Reconstruction Deadline

The City of Santa Barbara announced a pending deadline for reconstructing nonconforming structures that were damaged in the Tea Fire which occurred November 13, 2008. 

The definition of a nonconforming building is the following: A building, structure, or portion thereof which does not conform to the regulations of the ordinance and which lawfully existed at the time the regulations with which it does not conform became effective. (SBMC 28.04.495)

Please be advised that the City has an ordinance that allows for the reconstruction of damaged nonconforming structures which have been damaged or partially destroyed by fire, flood, wind, earthquake or other calamity or act of God or the public enemy without a zoning modification as long as certain conditions are met.

These conditions are described in Santa Barbara Municipal Code section 28.87.038.B. A building permit for the reconstruction, restoration, or rebuilding of damaged non-conforming structures must be issued within three (3) years of the occurrence of the damage or destruction: November 13, 2011.

If you intend on rebuilding an existing nonconforming structure on your site, your project must have design review approval (if required) and a building permit must be submitted, approved and issued by November 13, 2011 in order to avoid the requirement for a zoning modification.

The deadline only applies to the reconstruction of damaged nonconforming structures. The deadline does not apply to any proposal to reconstruct an existing conforming structure on your property, propose a new conforming structure on your property, nor does it preclude you from proposing a project that requires zoning modifications.

If you have any questions about the content of this letter, please contact Renee Brooke, Zoning and Enforcement Supervisor at (805) 564-5564 for Zoning questions, Jaime Limon, Design Review Supervisor, (805) 564-5507 for Design Review questions, or Chris Hansen, Plan Check Supervisor, (805)564-5566 for Building and Safety questions.

Source: City of Santa Barbara Press release Link

Tea Fire suspects - Eight college students - plead no contest to trespassing, building a campfire.

Students once blamed for Tea fire enter trespass pleas

Associated Press - May 29, 2009 12:34 PM ET

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (AP) - Eight college students originally blamed for starting a wildfire that destroyed 210 homes in Santa Barbara last year have pleaded no contest to trespassing and building a campfire.

Seven were given 75 hours of community service, two years of unsupervised probation and ordered to pay $500 in fines after entering their pleas Thursday.

The attorney for an eighth defendant, who opted for 61 days in county jail to avoid probation, says he will be applying for electronic monitoring in lieu of jail time.

Sheriff's officials initially announced a campfire set by the defendants led to November's so-called Tea Fire.

The district attorney's office later failed to prove the fire started the blaze and filed the charges of trespassing and building a fire.

Information from: Santa Barbara News-Press, http://www.newspress.com

Tea Fire victims - Montecito couple - Fundraiser Concert

- A FREE Community Concert -
DISHWALLA, THE UPBEAT, DOMINIC BALLI, STILL TIME

Tea Fire Fundraiser
March. 15 2009

Time: 12-5pm
Location: Earl Warren Show Grounds, Santa Barbara
Details: A FREE Community Concert
Featuring:
DISHWALLA, THE UPBEAT, DOMINIC BALLI, STILL TIME
Sunday, March 15, 2009 - 12:00PM-5:00PM
Earl Warren Show Grounds, Santa Barbara
In coordinated efforts with Santa Barbara City Fire, Santa Barbara County Fire, Montecito Fire, Carpentaria/Summerland Fire, US Forest Service, Cal Fire, CHP, Santa Barbara Police, Santa Barbara County Sheriff, Santa Barbara County Search & Rescue, and Equine Evac the community is encouraged to come together to celebrate the lives of Lance & Carla Hoffman and help assist their road to recovery. Every department will be on site to support this event in raising funds for the Hoffman’s. Their finest equipment will be brought in to the Earl Warren Showground parking lot for display, giving families and the community the opportunity to express thanks for their efforts. Lance Hoffman’s grandfather was a Santa Barbara City Fireman.
Santa Barbara favorites, Dishwalla, The Upbeat, Dominic Balli, and Still Time have come together with KRUZ radio to provide FREE entertainment for the community, with the desire to bring people together and encourage relief efforts for the Hoffman’s through donations.

On Thursday, November 13, 2008, the lives of Lance & Carla were forever changed as they fell victim to the devastating flames of the disastrous Tea Fire in Santa Barbara, Ca, destroying 230 homes. After an unlikely escape from the fire, they were immediately taken to burn centers in southern California to begin the recovery process. An update from their family on a Facebook group (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=43752383254) states:

This “Lance and Carla update” is four weeks post-hospital discharge and their improvements are still quite exciting. They are able to do most things independently and although I just returned to my home last night, most of this last week I was only minimally needed. Even my job as the chauffeur is unnecessary because Lance can drive comfortably now! Their Occupational Therapy is definitely still needed, but the healing of the burns has gone well and the biggest danger is in avoiding the sun for the next year. Lance received his pressure garments for both hands and arms, and needs to wear these 23 hours/day. Carla’s are arriving later this week and next. The purpose of these is to provide constant pressure to help flatten scar tissue and allow for optimal healing of the grafts. Their hope is to be able to return to Santa Barbara and find a new home, maybe as soon as next month sometime. When they check up with their doctor they’ll get her recommendation about transferring their rehab needs to Santa Barbara, where Carla says she wants to live on a small island surrounded by water, or in a fire station. In reality, returning to home in Santa Barbara, wherever they settle, will be a joyous occasion! --Linda Hoffman (dated 2/11/09)

Come and be a part of this amazing community effort to help Lance & Carla Hoffman.
WHEN: Sunday, March 15, 2009. 12pm: Gates;
1pm: STILL TIME (www.stilltimemusic.com);
2pm: DOMINIC BALLI (www.dominicballi.com);
3pm: THE UPBEAT (myspace.com/upbeatska);
4pm: DISHWALLA (www.dishwalla.com)
WHERE: Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
TICKETS: On sale

FREE Food & Drink will be available for purchase from Woody’s BBQ with proceeds benefitting the Hoffman’s recovery efforts.
Being produced by TWIIN PRODUCTIONS at twiinproductions.com 1221 Chapala Street, 2nd Floor Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Contact: Matt Wilson, Tony Pighetti and Jeff Zampese
Official Info page: iaff525.org

Tea Fire: Tea Fire Ten - In Court today facing misdemeanor Trespass and Illegal Camp fire charges.

Tea Fire Ten in Santa Barbara County court this morning, facing non criminal misdemeanor Trespass and Illegal Camp fire charges.
The ten young adults originally accused of starting the Tea Fire are being arraigned in a Santa Barbara County court this morning.
The group of college students who built a campfire in November were suspected of accidentally causing the Tea Fire.
In February the district attorney decided there was not enough evidence "... beyond a reasonable doubt," to charge them.
The ten still face misdemeanor charges of trespassing and using a campfire without permission.
The Tea Fire destroyed more than 200 homes in the Santa Barbara area.

Nine of the 10 defendants appeared in court for the arraignment. One was out of the country.
The defendants include: Joshua Decker-Trinidad, Casey Lamonte, Stephen Reid, Lauren Vazquez, Mohammed Alessam, Hashim Hassan, Natalie Maese, Hope Dunlap, Fahad Al-Fadhel, Carver Mclelland

One by one, the group dubbed the "Tea Fire Ten" faced Judge Loberg Monday morning. Lamonte, Reid, and Maese asked for public defenders, while the other defendants let their attorneys do the talking.
The attorneys for the defendant did not want to talk on camera. The defendants and friends of the defendants had no comment as well.
Deputy District Attorney Elizabeth O'Brien released this statement:
"This is a misdemeanor trespass and illegal campfire case. The District Attorney's office already made the decision that the evidence was insufficient to file criminal charges in regard to the Tea Fire. Obviously this case is going to get attention because of its association with the Tea Fire investigation."
O'Brien says if convicted on both charges, the defendants could face a maximum of a year in jail. However she adds, in this case, that sentence is highly unlikely.

Whole story at: KSBY 6 News - Link

Tea Fire: Tea Fire Ten - Charges of igniting a wildfire dropped

Stupidity is not a crime...
Campfire group won't face charges for Calif. Tea fire blaze

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (AP) — Prosecutors say 10 people who lit a campfire will not be charged with igniting a wildfire that destroyed more than 200 homes in California.

Santa Barbara County District Attorney Christie Stanley said Friday that an investigation couldn't prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the people at the campfire started the blaze that blackened more than 65 square miles in Santa Barbara and neighboring Montecito.

Investigators had found evidence that the campfire was lit in Montecito about 14 hours before the wildfire erupted Nov. 13.

Stanley says the people who participated in the campfire will be charged with misdemeanor trespassing and unlawfully building and using a campfire without permission.

Source: Google News - Link

College buys water tender for "shelter-in-place" fire plans

Westmont purchases water-pumper truck

When flames roared down the hillside and across the Westmont College campus in mid-November, eucalyptus trees lit up like kindling and cut off dozens of faculty, staff and neighbors from the safety of Murchison Gym.

And while Westmont officials certainly aren’t hoping for a repeat of the Tea Fire, they have already started preparing for one with the purchase of a 350-gallon water truck.

“We’re not planning on being a firefighting force and will not be involved in battling structural fires,” Troy Harris, Westmont’s director of risk management, explained in a news release. “But the Tea Fire showed us that we need to have the ability to deliver water from a safe distance. Our ambitions are understandably narrow.”

Officials hope the truck will offer the ability to put out spot fires and protect those on campus who participate in the college’s “shelter-in-place” program.

During the Tea Fire, approximately 800 students, faculty, staff and neighbors waited out the flames overnight by sheltering in the fire-resistive, cinder-block gymnasium.

“That’s one of the things that Westmont has tried to do from the beginning, to have the shelter-in-place program so students don’t get in their cars and drive down the narrow, winding roadways,” Westmont Spokesman Scott Craig said. “It worked well and that’s the plan we want to keep.”

But improvements are necessary, officials acknowledged, pointing out that flames not only cut off access to the shelter for some, but also threatened the gym’s generator.

Tom Beveridge, the director of physical plant at Westmont, said workers had to use garden hoses and fire extinguishers to keep the fire from reaching the generator.

“Our physical plant workers were heroes,” he said in a prepared statement. “They protected the shelter-in-place by keeping the flames at bay with what little they had, but we don’t want to be in that position again.”

The Dodge pumper truck, which cost the college $28,000, is equipped with an infrared camera and a large hose. Craig said officials made the purchase last week and have yet to determine who will be trained to operate the vehicle.

Safety officials from Pepperdine University, which operates its own fire department, will provide basic training to Westmont officials.

Flames from the Tea Fire destroyed eight structures on the campus, including three residence halls. A total of 15 faculty homes and a retired professor’s home were also lost, officials said.

“Regardless of how often we use the pump truck, every piece of fire equipment is an asset to the community,” Tom Bauer, the college’s director of public safety, said in the news release. “We’re still determining how to deploy the truck, but we had a lot of willing participants on campus during the Tea Fire and we could have been more effective in containing spot fires.”

Editor comment: "Stay and defend" "shelter-in-place" "Limited firefighting" these phrases and pro-active fire plans will probably irk Schaitberger
- Harold A. Schaitberger is the General President of the International Association of Fire Fighters, representing professional fire fighters and has come out against the stay and defend policy being studied for wildland urban interface areas in California.
The fact that this college was proactive in purchasing firefighting equipment for civilian use will probably get him going...

Article source: thedailysound.com - Link

Tea Fire: Red Cross to distributeTea Fire Assistance Funds

Santa Barbara, CA-- The Red Cross is ready to distribute more than $400,000 to victims of the Tea Fire and it couldn't come at a better time.

Many of the Santa Barbara and Montecito residents affected by the November wildfire are struggling to put their lives back together.

To be considered for assistance, you're urged to contact the Red Cross at 687-1331

Tea Fire victims - Montecito couple - Condition Improving

Burned Montecito couple improving at burn center

ORANGE, Calif. (CFN) - A young Montecito couple seriously burned in a wind-driven wildfire last month are improving at an Orange County burn center.

The medical condition of Lance and Carla Hoffman, both 29 years old, have been upgraded from critical.

Lance Hoffman remains in serious condition and on a ventilator.

Carla Hoffman was taken off a ventilator Monday night and she's listed in fair condition.

Lance's mother was at the hospital on Sunday. Carla's mom even got to hear her daughter's voice for the first time in nearly three weeks.

Lance and Carla Hoffman were renting a small one-bedroom cottage that was completely destroyed in the fire.

Lance and Carla Hoffman were trapped and burned-over while trying to evacuate their home.
Both suffered second and third degree burns.

They have been hospitalized at the University of California, Irvine, Regional Burn Center since the "Tea Fire" which broke out during fierce Santa Ana winds on November 13 2008 in Santa Barbara County.

They are expected to remain at the UC Irvine Burn Center for at least a few more weeks.

Hospital spokesman John Murray says the couple, remain sedated.

Donations and Fundraisers:

• Restaurant Mimosa in Santa Barbara held a fundraiser for the couple Monday night.
• Movie fundraiser for the couple will be held Dec. 15 at the Arlington Theatre in Santa Barbara,.
• Please donate to the Lance and Carla Burn Fund, you can do so at any Santa Barbara Bank and Trust.

SBC NEWS RELEASE:Tea Fire Burn area evacuation Downgraded

Evacuation Orders Reduced in Tea Fire Burn Area

Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Reported by: Kelly Bush

JOINT NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SBC Tea Fire 08-29
November 26, 2008
12:00pm

County, City Downgrade Evacuation Order to Evacuation Warning
Sycamore Canyon, Eastside & Tea Fire Area Residents Urged to Remain Vigilant

Santa Barbara County and City emergency officials have downgraded the Evacuation Order to an Evacuation Warning allowing residents to return to homes. This warning will remain in effect until 10:00pm November 26 to coincide with the end of the Flash Flood Watch period issued by the National Weather Service.

Santa Barbara County originally initiated the County's Reverse 9-1-1 call system to alert residents in both the county unincorporated area and within the City of Santa Barbara. Emergency officials were particularly concerned with the situation because this is the first rain event after the Tea Fire occurred. Immediately after a fire, the soil geology can be very unstable and can become easily disturbed by rain.

An Evacuation Warning means residents should be prepared to leave should conditions change. The Evacuation Warning area includes:

• In the County (unincorporated) area, the Evacuation Warning area is bounded by:
• East and West Mountain Drive from Cold Springs Road to El Cielito
• Gibraltar Road from El Cielito to East Camino Cielo, including the Mount Calvary Road burn area
• Chelham Way along Westmont Creek and Chelham Creek

In the City of Santa Barbara, the Evacuation Warning area includes:

• Sycamore Canyon North from APS/Montecito Street to Stanwood
• Stanwood Drive west to El Cielito
• Conejo Road from Stanwood to Las Alturas
• Conejo Lane, Camino Alto, Orizaba Lane, Orizaba Road, Sherman Road, Eland Place and Mountain Drive east of El Cielito
  
  An Evacuation Warning in the Eastside south of the 5 points roundabout has been lifted. A warning is no longer in effect for:
  The Area bordered by Salinas Street on the east to Highway 101.
  Highway 101 on the south to Quinientos Street.
• On the west side:
  Quienientos Street north to Voluntario Street
  Voluntario Street west to Mason Street
  Mason Street north to Soledad Street
  Soledad Street west to Yanonali Street
  Yanonali Street north to Montecito Street
  Montecito Street north to Alameda Padre Serra/Salinas Street (Five Points)
• 
  In addition, the area south of the above, across Highway 101, is further described:
  Bordered by Highway 101 on the North.
  Por La Mar Drive on the west.
  Cabrillo Boulevard on the south and east to Los Patos Street.

Several roads previously closed as a result of the evacuation have also been reopened to allow residents to return to the area. These include:

• Highway 192 between Orizaba and Conejo Road
• Sycamore Canyon Road between Stanwood Drive and Five Points

Roads which will remain closed for an additional period include:

• Mountain Drive between El Cielito and Cold Springs Road will reopen at 2:00 pm
• Gibraltar Road remains closed at El Cielto
• The Sycamore Canyon Gates will remain closed due to the dangerous landslide potential in the area.

The Call Center previously activated by the County will close at 3:00pm on November 26.

Residents should pay attention to local National Weather Service (NWS) information, which provides Flash Flood Watches and Warnings both on the NOAA Weather radio, and on the NWS website at www.weather.gov/losangeles.

In the event of a large emergency or disaster, the County will work with all bona fide news organizations to distribute emergency public information. The County's "Stations of Choice" for emergency news currently include the following AM stations-KTMS-990; KZSB-1290; KUHL-1410; KINF-1440, plus the San Marcos Pass Radio Station 1040-and the following FM stations-KCSB-91.9; KSYV-96.7; KTYD-99.9; KSBL-101.7 and KRAZ-105.9. In addition, the Spanish language FM stations, KSPE-94.5 and KIST-107.7 are also designated "Stations of Choice" in the cooperative agreement with the County.

For more information regarding the emergency preparedness, go online to www.CountyofSB.org, or the cities' websites at www.santabarbaraca.gov . For emergency preparedness tips go to www.Ready.gov.

SBC Tea Fire area evacuations - Flooding

JOINT NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - SBC Tea Fire 08–27
November 25, 2008
TIME: 7:15 PM
News Media Contact:
William Boyer, Santa Barbara County Communications Director, (805) 896-1056
Eric Boldt, Meteorologist, National Weather Service, Los Angeles/Oxnard, (805) 988-6623
Nina Johnson, Public Information Officer, City of Santa Barbara, (805) 564-5307

Santa Barbara County and City emergency officials have issued an Evacuation Order for
residents within the Tea Fire Burn Area, including the Sycamore Creek area and other areas
immediately below the fire zone.

Sycamore Canyon, Eastside & Tea Fire Area Residents Urged to Take Precautions

Evacuation area map: http://www.countyofsb.org/uploadedImages/ceo/oes/EvacAreasWeb_112508_11x17_update_2045_hrs.jpg

Santa Barbara County has initiated the County’s Reverse 9-1-1 call system to alert residents in
both the county unincorporated area and within the City of Santa Barbara. Emergency officials
are particularly concerned with the situation because this is the first rain event after the Tea Fire
occurred. Immediately after a fire, the soil geology can be very unstable and can become easily
disturbed by the first rain.

An Evacuation Order means residents are advised to leave the area now. The order includes
homes within the burn area and Sycamore Canyon, north of the Five Points Roundabout.
In the County (unincorporated) area, the evacuation order is bounded by:
• East and West Mountain Drive from Cold Springs Road to El Cielito
• Gibraltar Road from El Cielito to East Camino Cielo, including the Mount Calvary Road burn
area
• Chelham Way along Westmont Creek and Chelham Creek
In the City area, the evacuation orders include:
• Sycamore Canyon North from APS/Montecito Street to Stanwood
• Stanwood Drive west to El Cielito
• Conejo Road from Stanwood to Las Alturas
• Conejo Lane, Camino Alto, Orizaba Lane, Orizaba Road, Sherman Road, Eland Place and
Mountain Drive east of El Cielito

The forecast of rain for this area means this area is subject to flooding or mud slides. A Red
Cross Shelter will be set up at Santa Barbara High School, 700 East Anapamu Street.
As of 6 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 25, the County has also activated its Call Center line at (805)
681-5197. The Call Center will remain active as needed based on call volume. Animal
Services Hotline is (805) 681-4332 for assistance with animal evacuations.
Depending upon the rain and weather conditions, the City, the County and CalTrans may close
several roads in the area, effective at 9 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 25, including:
*Mountain Drive between El Cielito and Cold Springs Road
* Highway 192 between Orizaba and Conejo Road
* Gibraltar Road
* Sycamore Canyon Road between Stanwood Drive and Five Points
* The Sycamore Canyon Gates will remain closed due to the dangerous landslide
potential in the area.

2-2-2/evacuation orders for tea fire burn area issued November 25, 2008
Residents should pay attention to local National Weather Service (NWS) information, which
provides Flash Flood Watches and Warnings both on the NOAA Weather radio, and on the
NWS website at www.weather.gov/losangeles.

In the event of a large emergency or disaster, the County will work with all bona fide news
organizations to distribute emergency public information. The County’s “Stations of Choice” for
emergency news currently include the following AM stations—KTMS-990; KZSB-1290; KUHL-
1410; KINF-1440, plus the San Marcos Pass Radio Station 1040—and the following FM
stations—KCSB-91.9; KSYV-96.7; KTYD-99.9; KSBL-101.7 and KRAZ-105.9. In addition, the
Spanish language FM stations, KSPE-94.5 and KIST-107.7 are also designated “Stations of
Choice” in the cooperative agreement with the County.

For more information regarding the emergency preparedness, go online to
www.CountyofSB.org, or the cities’ websites at www.santabarbaraca.gov . For emergency
preparedness tips go to www.Ready.gov.
###

Evacuation warning: Tea Fire burn area

Evacuation warning issued for Tea Fire burn areas due to predicted heavy rain

Monday, November 24, 2008

PRESS RELEASE from the city and county of Santa Barbara and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Santa Barbara County and City emergency officials have issued an Evacuation Warning for the Tea Fire Burn Area, including the Sycamore Creek area and other areas immediately below the fire zone. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department has initiated the County's Reverse 9-1-1 call system to alert residents in both the county unincorporated area and within the City of Santa Barbara.

An Evacuation Warning means residents are advised of a possible emergency situation and they should be prepared to leave the area if the warning is upgraded to an Evacuation Order.

The current Evacuation Warning comes after the National Weather Service on Monday issued a Flash Flood Watch for the same area of Santa Barbara, including the Tea Fire Burn Area and the Sycamore Creek area below the burn area.

Emergency officials are advising residents now in advance of potential heavy rain that could arrive in the area Tuesday. Rainfall of one inch to two inches that falls in the burn area could trigger flooding, debris flows and falling rocks. The area contains hundreds of rocks and boulders that could damage homes, block roads and cause other damage.

Residents should have emergency plans in place and may want to consider leaving the area in advance of any mandatory evacuation orders. If you do plan to leave and have no other emergency shelter plans, you may contact the Santa Barbara County Chapter of the American Red Cross at (805) 687-1331.

The County has also activated its Call Center line at (805) 681-5197. The Call Center will remain active as needed based on call volume.

City and County officials are closely monitoring the incoming storms and are activating initial response plans in anticipation of the potential flooding or debris flows that might occur.

Depending upon the rain and weather conditions, the City, the County and CalTrans may close several roads in the area, including:

• Mountain Drive between El Cielito and Cold Springs Road
• Highway 192 between Orizaba and Conejo Road
• Gibraltar Road
• Sycamore Canyon Road between Stanwood Drive and Five Points

To help the public understand what they are hearing when a weather-related emergency message is sent over television and radio stations, the NWS offers the following terms and explanations:

• Flash Flood Watch-A flash flood watch is used when the risk of flooding and/or debris flows near recent burn areas has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location and/or timing is still uncertain. It is intended to provide enough lead time so that those who need to set their plans in motion can do so. A flash flood watch is normally issued about six (6) hours to 24 hours in advance of an event.
• Flash Flood Warning-A flash flood warning is issued when flash flooding and/or debris flows near recent burn areas is occurring, is imminent, or has a very high probability of occurring. A warning is used for conditions posing a threat to life or property. People should move to higher ground or shelter in place if safe to do so during a flash flood warning. A flash flood warning is issued based on radar rainfall estimates, rain gauge data, and ground truth reports prior to or during the heavy rain event. Lead times can vary from minutes to more than one hour.

A Flash Flood Watch and a Flash Flood Warning are the two most important messages issued by the NWS. In addition, the NWS may issue:

• Urban and Small Stream Flood Advisory-An urban and small stream flood advisory is issued when minor flooding is occurring, is imminent, or has a very high probability of occurring. An advisory is used for conditions that are more of a nuisance, such as ponding of water on low-lying fields, under bridge overpasses and city streets, and do not threaten life or property.

Residents should pay attention to local National Weather Service (NWS) information, which provides Flash Flood Watches and Warnings both on the NOAA Weather radio, and on the NWS website at www.weather.gov/losangeles.

A sand bag station is available for City and County residents desiring sand bags to protect their property. The station is located at the City of Santa Barbara's Corporate Annex Yard at 401 E. Yanonali Street.

The station will be open until 8 p.m., Monday, November 24 and will remain open from 7:30 a.m. 3 p.m. until further notice, except on holidays. There is no limit on the number of sand bags residents of the Tea Fire area may take. Residents should be prepared to fill sand bags and bring gloves and shovels.

Additional sand bags also are available at County Fire Station 14, 320 Los Carneros in Goleta and at the Montecito Fire Protection stations in Montecito.

In the event of a large emergency or disaster, the County will work with all bona fide news organizations to distribute emergency public information. The County's "Stations of Choice" for emergency news currently include the following AM stations-KTMS-990; KZSB-1290; KUHL-1410; KINF-1440, plus the San Marcos Pass Radio Station 1040-and the following FM stations-KCSB-91.9; KSYV-96.7; KTYD-99.9; KSBL-101.7 and KRAZ-105.9. In addition, the Spanish language FM stations, KSPE-94.5 and KIST-107.7 are also designated "Stations of Choice" in the cooperative agreement with the County.

For more information regarding the emergency preparedness, go online to www.CountyofSB.org, or the cities' websites at www.santabarbaraca.gov . For emergency preparedness tips go to www.Ready.gov.

U.S.F.S. R5 News: Region 5 - Fire Investigations

Forest Service Places Emphasis on Fire Investigations

VALLEJO, Calif., Nov. 20, 2008—Due to strong efforts made by U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement and cooperating agencies, leads have been identified, suspects have been arrested and convictions have been made on various fires in the past two weeks.

A transient who started the 2006 Day Fire that burned more than 162,000 acres was sentenced Nov. 18th to 45 months in federal prison. In addition to the nearly four-year sentence, Steven Butcher was ordered to pay $101,652,000 in restitution to the Los Padres National Forest. Butcher must pass a mental competency test prior to his release from prison. The U.S. Attorney's Office Environmental Crimes Unit provided strong leadership and through its prosecutorial efforts, brought closure to these fires.

Additionally on Nov. 18, during a joint news conference, it was announced that a multi-agency investigation task force had determined the cause of the Tea Fire. The agencies that worked together to solve this case consisted of U.S. Forest Service, Cal-Fire, Santa Barbara County Fire, Ventura County Fire and Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department (SBCSD). With the help of a critical lead provided through an SBCSD anonymous tip line, investigators were able to identify 10 young adults who were at the property know as the "Tea House" in the 700 Block of East Mountain Drive, on Wednesday night and early Thursday morning. The task force determined that a bonfire started by the young adults was the origin of the Tea Fire. Although the individuals believed they had extinguished the bonfire, it is not uncommon for fires of this type to have an ignition potential for several days. Due to the weather conditions on Thursday, the fire reignited. At this time reports are being prepared and submitted to the District Attorney's office which will decide if any criminal charges will be filed.

Also on Nov. 18, U.S. Forest Service and Santa Barbara County Fire Department investigators announced that a suspect has been arrested on arson charges associated with the Gap Fire. The agencies that worked together to solve this case consisted of U.S. Forest Service, Santa Barbara County Fire, with assistance from Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Dept., Cal-Fire, and Ventura County Fire. The suspect is 16 years old and is in custody in a juvenile detention facility. Charges will be filed with the District Attorney's Office. The estimated cost of suppressing the fire exceeded $20 million.

A multi-agency investigative team is asking for the public's assistance to help establish the cause of the Sayre fire which started on Nov. 14, 2008. Investigators have spoken to witnesses, but are still seeking additional information that may assist with the ongoing investigation into the fire. This joint investigation team is comprised of seasoned investigators in southern California, and includes members from the U.S. Forest Service, Los Angeles County Fire Investigations, Los Angeles City Fire Arson Investigation Unit, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

"We place a very high priority on fire investigations because few other crimes pose anywhere near the threat to our precious natural resources and public treasures," said Marion Matthews, Pacific Southwest Region Assistant Special Agent in Charge.

Source: NEWS RELEASE: USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region 1323 Club Drive, Vallejo, CA 94592
Contact: Public Affairs, 707-562-9004
Tags: Gap Fire, Sayre Fire, Tea Fire, Day Fire

Tea Fire victims - Montecito couple - Critical condition

Tea Fire victim update: Montecito couple who were badly burned while evacuating their home during the Tea Fire still hospitalized.

Lance and Carla Hoffman are both in critical condition.

A spokesperson for the UC Irvine Regional Burn Center said that both are on ventilators and are expected to remain in the hospital for at least another month.

Donations are being accepted to the Lance and Carla Burn Fund through Santa Barbara Bank and Trust in Montecito.

Source: http://www.ksby.com

TEA FIRE STARTED BY YOUNG ADULTS

Santa Barbara Tea Wildland Fire was Caused by a bonfire built by a group of young adults.

Tea Garden party: Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown said Tuesday ten people had gathered at the tea garden where the fire originated to party...

About 13 hours after they'd left, the fire broke out. The group believed the fire had been put out before they left.
Sizeup: The cause of the fire appears to be the result of carelessness rather than criminal intent. Sometime Wednesday evening, November 12, the ten apparently headed up to the Tea Garden to party and this including starting what the Sheriff called a bonfire. When they left sometime between 3 and 5 a.m. Thursday morning, those who attended the gathering told investigators that they thought they had put out the fire, which was built near a wall in the Tea Garden area. Rather than dying out, coals from the fire continued to smolder throughout the day and ignited when the strong sundowner winds picked up Thursday evening.

Investigation: An anonymous tip led to the discovery. Brown declined to identify those involved and added that the investigation is still ongoing. At this time reports are being prepared and submitted to the District Attorney's office which will decide if any criminal charges will be filed. Anyone with additional information regarding the start of the Tea Fire is encouraged to call the Tip Line at (805) 681-4171.

Fire outcome: The fire is 100% contained at 1,940 acres.
More than two dozen people were injured in the fire, including a Montecito couple who remained in critical condition Tuesday at the University of California, Irvine, Medical Center.
Nine residences are damaged and 210 are destroyed.

CAL FIRE ARSON HOTLINE
1-800-468-4408

Or call the Santa Barbara Sheriff's anonymous tip hotline (805) 681-4171.
Note: Was California Fire News responsible for some of the tips?
1.) CA-MTO- TEA - WUI Fire -1,940 acres - 100%
2.) TEA FIRE - HUMAN CAUSED - INFO SOUGHT

CA-MTO- TEA - WUI Fire -1,940 acres - 100%

Tea Fire - Montecito Fire District - Santa Barbara County
Tea Fire - Santa Barbara County -

FINAL UPDATE: 1800hrs- Tea Fire (CA-SBC-9981) 1,940 acres and is 100% contained. Favorable weather has allowed firefighters to make progress on all portions of the fire. 9 residences are damaged and 210 are destroyed. Demob continues, good job!

Cause: Suspicious, No accidental cause.
Santa Barbara County, California – CAL FIRE investigators say they have eliminated “all accidental causes” of the “Tea Fire” which impacted the small enclave of Montecito, in Santa Barbara County and are asking for the public’s help in finding who caused the suspicious blaze that destroyed 210 homes and caused 2 injuries,

“We are calling it human caused and we need the public’s help in identifying any activity in or around the afternoon of November 13th,” Doug Lannon spokesman for CAL fire, the state fire agency.

CAL FIRE ARSON HOTLINE
1-800-468-4408

Or call the Santa Barbara Sheriff's anonymous tip hotline (805) 681-4171.

Fire Progression: Full containment expected this evening at 6 p.m.
Minimal Movement expected.
Structural damage/destruction: Click Here for a lists of Montecito Fire District and/or County of Santa Barbara with significant structural damage or total destruction. Please be aware that these are preliminary reports and are continuing to be updated.
Montecito property owners with questions regarding the status of their property are encouraged to call the Montecito Fire District at (805) 969-2537.
Due to evacuations currently in place, residents may not be able to acces the properties on the list at this time.
Tea Fire Perimeter Map:Click Here
Status of reservoir water: last report issued at 7:45 a.m., Saturday morning indicated that water storage reservoir levels serving the fire area had increased to about 37%. As of the time and date this final press release, the District is notifying the community and governmental agencies that all reservoirs in the fire area have been restored to normal operating levels. Voluntary restrictions on water use have been lifted; however, the District is asking the community to use water wisely as clean up operations are continuing in the burn area.

Start Date/Time: November 13, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Montecito, Cold Spring Creek and Hot Springs Road
Administrative Unit: Santa Barbara County Fire
Acres Burned: 1,940 acres
Containment: 95% contained
Tea Fire Information : (805) 681-5197

Previous updates at: CA-MTO- TEA - WUI Fire -1,940 acres - 75%

TEA FIRE - HUMAN CAUSED - INFO SOUGHT

Tea Fire - Santa Barbara County - Cause: Suspicious, No accidental cause.

Santa Barbara County, California – CAL FIRE investigators say they have eliminated “all accidental causes” of the “Tea Fire” which impacted the small enclave of Montecito, in Santa Barbara County and are asking for the public’s help in finding who caused the suspicious blaze that destroyed 210 homes and caused 2 injuries,

“We are calling it human caused and we need the public’s help in identifying any activity in or around the afternoon of November 13th,” Doug Lannon spokesman for CAL fire, the state fire agency.

CAL FIRE ARSON HOTLINE
1-800-468-4408

Also see website of Office of the State Fire Marshal
Nothing new but go see it anyhow...

CA-MTO- TEA - WUI Fire -1,940 acres - 75%

Tea Fire - Santa Barbara County
New updates at:CA-MTO- TEA - WUI Fire -1,940 acres - 95%

Fire Progression: Minimal Movement expected; potential movement to the west toward Mission Canyon Road in the Santa Barbara area. An eastward spread towards Hot Springs Rd. in the Montecito area due to wind is possible.

Tea Fire perimeter map
Looking pretty cold!
Montecito, - Santa Barbara County
Credit: California Fire News

Start Date/Time: November 13, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Montecito, Cold Spring Creek and Hot Springs Road
Administrative Unit: Santa Barbara County Fire
Acres Burned: 1,940 acres
Containment: 75% contained.
Cooperating Agencies: CAL FIRE, Montecito City Fire, Santa Barbara County Fire, Santa Barbara City Fire, Los Padres National Forest, Edison, CHP, Santa Barbara County Sheriffs Office, CDCR and CCC.
Comms: Ch: LAFD 9,12 - 860.4375 - 857.2375
Fuels/Terrain: Wildland Urban interface fire - Medium/heavy Brush
Fire behavior: Fire is burning with the Santa Anas to the Southwest.
Tea Fire Information : (805) 681-5197
Incident Command Organization: Unified: Montecito Fire District, Santa Barbara City Fire, Santa Barbara County, Los Padres Forest, Cal Fire.
Acreage and Containment: This fire has burned 1,940 and is 75 percent contained.
Structures Destroyed and Property Damaged: The fire has destroyed over 111 homes, and damaged 9 residential structures. 1500 residents remain threatened.
Resources: 2,235 firefighters and overhead personnel are assigned to this incident under unified command.There were 9 helicopters assigned to the fire on Saturday, no fixed wing aircraft, hundreds of engines and multiple strike teams assigned to the Tea Incident.
Injuries: Two civilians have been injured. Two additional minor injuries reported today.
Estimated Cost to Date: $3,500,000

WATER EMERGENCY: Due to the firefighting activities in the area, water reservoirs have dropped to critically low levels. We strongly encourage ALL residents in the Montecito and Santa Barbara communities to limit their use of water during this emergency to allow the most efficient use of water for firefighting tactics.
More Information: Montecito fire Department - http://www.montecitofire.com/tea_fire.htm
Previous updates: http://calfire.blogspot.com/2008/11/ca-mto-tea-fire-update-2500-acres-0.html
Evacuations and Road Closures: Evacuations and road closures remain in effect for the west portion of Montecito and portions of Santa Barbara. Incident Command Team 10 and Law Enforcement are working on a plan toallow residents affected by the fire back into their respective property.
MANDATORY EVACUATIONS ORDERS FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS HAVE BEEN LIFTED As of 11/15/08 6:00 PM

East Mountain Drive east of Cold Springs Rd.
Sycamore Canyon Rd. east from Chelham Wy.
Barker Pass Road from APS to Sycamore Canyon Rd.
APS from 5 points to Barker Pass Rd.
Loma Media open from APS to Las Alturas Rd.
Mission Ridge is open.
El Cielito north of Stanwood.
Mountain Dr. west of El Cielito.
Mt. Calvary Rd is closed at El Cielito.
Las Canoas east of Las Canoas Place.
NOTE: Sycamore Canyon at 5 points up to slide area is open to residents only.
NOTE: Las Alturas remains closed from APS to Conejo Rd.
NOTE: Gibraltar Road is closed at El Cielito.

Residents in these areas may return to their homes. All other mandatory evacuation orders remain in effect. These evacuation order modifications allow approximately another 1,000 residents to return to their homes. We are continuing to monitor and evaluate the situation to provide for a safe, orderly and timely return of residents to their homes

MANDATORY EVACUATION ORDERS FOR THESE AREAS ARE STILL IN AFFECT

EASTERN BOUNDARY: Cold Springs Rd. between Sycamore Canyon Rd. and East Mountain Dr.
Sycamore Canyon at Chelham Way. (Neighborhood of Chelham, Paso Robles Dr., Stoddard Ln and Dawlish Pl. are open.)
Canon View Rd. at Sierra Vista Rd.

SOUTHERN BOUNDARY: Sycamore Canyon Rd at 5 points Roundabout. (Open to residents northbound up to the slide area.)

WESTERN BOUNDARY: New boudaries roughly the points connecting:
Las Alturas at APS.
Loma Media at Los Alturas Rd.
Las Alturas Rd. at Conejo Rd.
Stanwood Dr. at Mission Ridge Rd.
Stanwood Dr. at El Cielito Rd.
Mountain Dr. at El Cielito.
Gibraltar Rd. East at El Cielito Rd.
Mt. Calvary Rd. at El Cielito Rd.

Road closures: Link - This page is updated every three minutes with road closure information.

Damaged and destroyed property list: PROPERTIES IN THE MONTECITO FIRE DISTRICT AND/OR COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA WITH SIGNIFICANT STRUCTURAL DAMAGE OR TOTAL DESTRUCTION: Link

Tea Fire: A Story - Peter the Plumber fills firefighters tanks

Plumber with Illegal Water Main tap and 19 year old hose and nozzle stash saves neighborhood

Hero Peter Kornbluth Had Connected to Main in Preparation for the Inevitable

“In the two lower houses, horses were being ridden off the property, down toward Mission Canyon to be evacuated, and we were loading up our cars. Everybody on property was ready to leave except for Peter. He had parked his truck facing downhill but he was still on the property trying to figure out what he was going to do next, when a police officer came up and told him about the mandatory evacuation. He said OK, and drove downhill and took a sharp left through the avocado grove and turned off his headlights.

"When the police car left the driveway, he returned. He told us he’d known for 19 years living in that area that this day was coming, and he’s a plumber, so in the deck area of our house he had a huge fire hose, connected to the water main for just this purpose.

"He started hosing down our house, and was joined by firemen who then arrived; and he ended up refilling their tanks with the water hose. Those guys and Peter stopped the fire right at our driveway. Our house was inches from being completely consumed.

"All the fire trucks in that area were coming to him to get their tanks refilled.

"He was there all night long. At 6:30 a.m., he called and said, “Your house is safe.”

Read the whole story at the Santa Barbara Independent

CA-MTO - TEA FIRE - 2000+ acres - 0%

All updates moved to new post: CA-MTO- TEA - WUI Fire -1,940 acres - 75%

Santa Barbara fire
Photo Credit: Jonathan Alcorn - Link
Jonathan Alcorn.com

Tea Fire Incident Map
Derived from MODIS map

Tea Fire HOT SPOT Map
Derived from http://www.geomac.gov

Tea Fire Incident Map
Derived from CAL FIRE Incident map - Link

Previous posts and updates: CA-MTO - TEA FIRE - WUI Fire - 2500+ acres - 0%

Update: 10-15 07:59hrs - 200+ homes lost

Update: 10-14 23:59hrs - One fatality - Authorities say a 98-year-old man who was evacuated from the wildfire has died. Santa Barbara County Sheriff-Coroner Bill Brown says the unidentified man had multiple medical problems and it's unclear if his death was directly related to the fire.The man was evacuated to a hotel, but it wasn't immediately clear where he died.

Update: 10-14 19:00hrs - Officially 111 residences have been destroyed, and 9 have been damaged.

Update: 10-14 17:00hrs - As of about 1:35 p.m., according to The Indy's Ethan Stewart, most houses from the 600 to 1000 block of Coyote Road are completely burned. Although 820, 870, and 890 Coyote Road are standing (but heavily damaged), 840 and 880 are completely burned. At 840 Coyote Road — where Bill Joyce and his wife, Nicole, live in a rented home from the Harlin family — the fireplace, chimney, and water heater are all that's left from the house.
Stewart described the scene as "probably the worst possible scenario," saying "there's flat ground where houses used to be." Fire, police, and gas company personnel are at the scene, and some homeowners, but not many, are along Coyote trying to figure out what to do next. Planes are doing water drops over Coyote Road; very small fires — more accurately described as tiny hotspots — are springing up.
Stewart also reported that there's significant damage along East Mountain Drive; just about every other house along that road is burned down to its foundation. Stewart said he had to turn around at about the 300 block, where fire crews were dealing with hotspots there.
Ben Ciccati, a graphic designer with The Independent, just reported that his house at 320 East Mountain Drive was burned to the ground. He and his family, wife Michelle and daughter Chloe Bee, evacuated early Thursday evening; Ciccati returned to the house at 11 a.m. this morning to check on its status and said it was completely burned.

Update: 10-14 17:00hrs - One fatality due to fire now being reported, Major Losses for Westmont Faculty Housing. 15 faculty families — and one retired professor — have lost their homes.
In addition to 14 homes in Las Barrancas (an area adjacent to campus where the college built 41 homes for professors),
Westmont Colege lost nine structures: four of the 17 buildings that make up Clark Halls (F, G, M and S), Bauder Hall, the physics building, the old math building and two Quonset huts. The latter three buildings were scheduled for demolition in the coming weeks to make way for new facilities on campus. While Westmont has lost trees and landscaped areas, the formal gardens below Kerrwood Hall were spared, as was the grove of Italian stone pines below the dining commons.

Beginning early Friday morning when the direct threat had lessened, students were taken off campus. Many churches and local residents have generously opened their homes to both students and faculty. "We're so grateful for the many offers of assistance that have poured in since the fire began," Beebe says. "It's so encouraging to receive that kind of support from the community."

One Westmont alumna, Lesley Miller, has set up a Facebook group, Westmont College Prayer and Support for Tea Fire, which already has 318 members.

All students have found temporary housing, but about 40-50 lost their rooms and will need to make longer-term arrangements. Anyone willing to house a student for the rest of the fall semester and possibly during the spring can contact westmonthousinghelp@gmail.com.

Westmont College updates ->http://www.westmont.edu/teafire/index.html

Update: 10-14 13:00hrs - According to Access Hollywood, actor Christopher Lloyd's home burned last night in the Tea Fire.

Update: 10-14 12:00hrs -The Villa Riviera senior home, which is near the former St. Francis Hospital, has been evacuated and the 16 people who are reside there are staying at Cottage Hospital. Though Cottage Hospital has cautioned people to stay away from the hospital unless they are injured, they also want people not to hesitate to come if they truly do need medical attention.

Fire has continued movement to the west toward Mission Canyon Rd. in Santa Barbara area; and an east ward spread towards Hot Springs Rd in the Montecito area. There have been approximately 100 home damaged or destroyed with 5400 residents mandatory evacuated CALFIRE ICT Team 10 (Kerschen) is being mobilized with a tentative transition planned for 1800 hours today

Update: 10-14 11:00hrs - 2000+ acres have burned, Over 100 homes have burned, 13 civilian injuries at least 5 burn injuries, 5 firefighter injuries- smoke inhalation and burns, 5400 residents evacuated, No containment.

Student and faculty housing units at Westmont College were destroyed. No students were injured. Students sheltered in place overnight in the college gym. Those wishing to extend temporary housing to those displaced by the fire should send their name, phone contact information, e-mail address, house address, and the number of individuals they can accommodate to: westmonthousinghelp@gmail.com.

Montecito is a census-designated place (CDP) in Santa Barbara County, California. A CDP is an unincorporated community that is, for statistical reasons, designated as a community by the Census Bureau.
Montecito is home to many celebrities, including: Oprah Winfrey, Carol Burnett, Jonathan Winters, Steve Martin, John Cleese, Rob Lowe, Jimmy Connors, Christopher Lloyd, Steven Spielberg, Kevin Costner, Kirk Douglas, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Ellen DeGenere

Official Cal Fire Sanitized info:

Tea Fire

Tea Fire Information:
Last Updated:	November 14, 2008 at 7:15 pm
Date/Time Started:	November 13, 2008 at 6:30 pm
Administrative Unit:	CALFIRE, Montecito City Fire, Santa Barbara City Fire and Santa Barbara County Fire.
County:	Santa Barbara County
Location:	Montecito, Cold Springs Creek and Hot Springs Road
Acres Burned:	1,800 acres
Containment:	0% contained
Structures Threatened:	1,500 residences currently threatened.
Structures Destroyed:	111 residences have been destroyed, and 9 have been damaged.
Evacuations:	Mandatory evacuations in Montecito, Santa Barbara City and areas within Santa Barbara County. For more specific information on evacuation please visit theSanta Barbara County Office of Emergency Serviceswebsite.
Cause:	Under Investigation
Cooperating Agencies:	CAL FIRE, Montecito City Fire, Santa Barbara County Fire, Santa Barbara City Fire, Los Padres National Forest, Edison, CHP, Santa Barbara County Sheriffs Office, CDCR and CCC.
Total Fire Personnel:	1,141 (260 CAL FIRE)
Engines:193 Fire crews: 25 Dozers: 7 Watertenders:1
Conditions:	Extreme fire behavior continuing to push fire on to the community. A Red Flag Alert remains in effect in Santa Barbara County. Portion of the communities of Montecito and Santa Barbara City remain without power due to downed power distribution and transmition lines. CAL FIRE Incident Command Team #10 has transitioned into a unified command at 6:00 p.m. today. An early warning notification system has helped to evacuate 4500 residents and communicated a voluntary evacuation of an additional 4500 residents. Animal Hotline - (805) 681-4332 Road Closure Hotline - (805) 568-3006 Evacuations and road closures remain in effect for the west portion of Montecito and portions of Santa Barbara City.
Tea Fire Information:

CA-MTO - TEA FIRE - WUI Fire - 2500+ acres - 0%

Tea Incident - Montecito/Santa Barbara - Wildland Urban Interface fire
Photo: Justin Fox
Cal Fire News Google Map - Link

View Larger Map

TEA FIRE EVACUATION UPDATES

MANDATORY EVACUATIONS: All residents above Alameda Padre Serra (APS) from Eucalyptus Hill Road to Salinas/5 points area to Tunnel Road and above Hwy 192 between Hot Springs Road and Mission Canyon Rd/Tunnel Road.

Residents on both sides of Tunnel Road above Montrose.

Only residents on the east side of Tunnel Road below Montrose.

Residents on Gibraltar Road above the west fork of the Cold Springs Trail should evacuate to the North via Camino Cielo. Residents below the west fork should evacuate South.

Evacuation Center is located at San Marcos High School - 4750 Hollister Ave, Goleta.

For information regarding the evacuation center, please call 687-1331.

An information Call Center has been established for the public to call 681-5197.

Tune to AM 1680 for additional information updates locally.

------------------------------------------------------

Update: 10-14 10:00hrs - 2500+ acres have burned, Over 100 homes have burned, 13 civilian injuries, 5 firefighter injuries, 5400 residents evacuated, No containment. Student and faculty housing units at Westmont College were destroyed. No students were injured. Students sheltered in place overnight in the college gym. Those wishing to extend temporary housing to those displaced by the fire should send their name, phone contact information, e-mail address, house address, and the number of individuals they can accommodate to: westmonthousinghelp@gmail.com.

Montecito is a census-designated place (CDP) in Santa Barbara County, California. A CDP is an unincorporated community that is, for statistical reasons, designated as a community by the Census Bureau.
Montecito is home to many celebrities, including: Oprah Winfrey, Carol Burnett, Jonathan Winters, Steve Martin, John Cleese, Rob Lowe, Jimmy Connors, Christopher Lloyd, Steven Spielberg, Kevin Costner, Kirk Douglas, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Ellen DeGenere

Update: 10-14 09:00hrs - One Los Angeles firefighter injured in roof collapse last night, Preliminary info is that a fire Captain from LA City was injured on the incident. He has second and third degree burns on his face and arms from a roof collapse. Word is that he will be ok.

The injured included a firefighter who was taken to the Grossman Burn Center in Sherman Oaks with burns to his hands and face, two others who were taken to UCI Medical Center, two firefighters who suffered smoke inhalation and two residents taken to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital with substantial burns.

Westmont College now Evacuated, Clark building reportedly on Fire as of late last night.

FROM THE GOVERNOR'S PRESS OFFICE:

Gov. Schwarzenegger Proclaims State of Emergency in Santa Barbara County Due to Wildfire

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today proclaimed a state of emergency in Santa Barbara County as a result of the Tea Fire which has already burned over 2,500 acres, destroyed over 100 homes and required mandatory evacuations and road closures. The proclamation utilizes all resources consistent with the state's authority under the California Disaster Assistance Act.

Update: 10-14 08:00hrs - Water Emergency - Due to the firefighting activities in the area, water reservoirs have dropped to critically low levels. We strongly encourage ALL residents in the Montecito and Santa Barbara communities to limit their use of water during this emergency to allow the most efficient use of water for firefighting tactics.

Update: 10-14 07:00hrs - 2500 acres, 100 homes destroyed, 13 injuries, Santa Ana winds have diminished across the hills of Santa Barbara and Montecito, The strong Northerly winds will switch to the Northeast this morning. Many Northern Cal Strike teams arriving today, SCU, LNU, TCU, MMU and many local government Strike teams. Fire officials planned an aggressive attack from the air at daybreak Friday with the help of nine water-dropping helicopters and 10 air tankers, Tanker 910 should be over the Fire by 10:00 am if conditions permit. Helicopter pilots had worked through the night, using night vision goggles to drop water on the flames, said Santa Barbara County Sheriff-Coroner Bill Brown.
5,400 residents evacuated from Montecito area.
*CSR Staffing Pattern in effect: All Schedule A and B days off canceled. *

Update: 01:00hrs- Incident Command Post been set up at Manning Park, Aircraft will fly at first light, 70 homes destroyed in Montecito, 20 in Santa Barbara, Rob Lowe, Michael Douglas, and the Oprah own homes in area ...Southern California Edison spokesman Paul Klein said the fire temporarily knocked out power to more than 20,000 homes in Santa Barbara.

Update: 24:00hrs - EVACUATIONS - 800 acres 0% contained, West side of the fire is heading into city of Santa Barbara. Westmont College Evacuated Clark building reportedly on Fire, About 1000 Students under evacuation in Gym - all students accounted for, fire-proof shelter of cinderblock - Enough food and water for 2 days.

Update: 23:30hrs - EVACUATIONS - 350 acres 0% contained, Evacuations between Mountain Dr. and Hwy 192 between Cold Springs and Sycamore Canyon Rd. Montecito Evacuation Center maybe evacuated.
1,000 Structures Threatened, many structures already lost possibly hundreds. Structures threatened in the area of Cold Springs and Mountain to Hwy 192,(East Valley Rd).
-Extreme fire behavior continuing to push fire on to the community.
-Continued predicted Red Flag, winds still gusting to 70 mph.

Update: 22:30hrs - EVACUATIONS All Montecito residents north of Hwy 192 have been ordered to evacuate, winds are still 50 mph gusts at 71 mph. CHP CAD is reporting it's in Rattlesnake Canyon now, which puts it west of Gibralter Road above Skofield Park.

Update: 22:00hrs - EVACUATIONS -Mandatory evacuations in the "Riviera" area of Santa Barbara City this is in the Southeastern edge of the city.

- EVACUATIONS -A reverse 911 call has issued for residents living in the Montecito and Santa Barbara foothills. Santa Barbara City Fire Department has ordered evacuations for residents living north of Mountain Dr and Cold Springs.
Reports of over one hundred homes lost, Fire is heading in the direction of Santa Barbara.

IA: 17:55hrs - Vegetation Fire smoke showing 7 - 10 acres, immediate structure threat
IC: Tea - CA-SBC-009981 TEA. - Montecito Fire Protection District, Federal Team 7 has also been activated with CAL FIRE Team 10
Location: Mountain Drive at Cold Springs road in Montecito. Fire is Burning Above Santa Barbara And Montecito - Thomas Brothers: 986 6F -
Current sizeup: 2500 acres, strong winds, immediate structure threats, Fire is in SRA, City, LPF
Resource orders: Large resource orders - CAL FIRE Type 1 team order(ICT 10) - 10 Crew Strike teams, 17 type 1 engine Strike teams(Strike Team 1471-Alpha), 10 type 3 Strike teams(KRN,SLU, ) 2 -Type 2 LPF Teams, Vandenberg Hot Shots, Fulton, Rio Bravo IHC, CAL FIRE Type 1 team on order.
Official Information: montecitofire.com.
Video: Helicopter streaming live footage
www.cbs2.com
http://www.nbclosangeles.com/
Photos: pilot productions on Flickr - link
Webcams:
http://gocalifornia.about.com/gi/dyn.../www.sbyc.org/
News: KCAL 9 - http://cbs2.com/