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.