Santa Barbara TEA Fire

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The Tea Fire is now 100% contained. 

The city and county of Santa Barbara are jointly opening a Tea Fire Local Assistance Center for all residents whose homes were lost or damaged in the fire. The information center will be at the Davis Center at 1232 De La Vina St. and will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Residents can meet with representatives from the Red Cross, Housing Authority and the Santa Barbara Contractors Association.

Click here for a list of homes that burned.

80 homes in Montecito and 130 in Santa Barbara destroyed.

1,900 acres burned.

There is a young couple, Lance and Carla Hoffman that were burned in the fire and are in critical condition. Click to read the story. Due to their extent of injuries, both victims were airlifted to a Regional Burn Center where they remain in critical but stable condition. A fund has been established for donations at Santa Barbara Bank and Trust, located at 1483 East Valley Rd, Montecito, CA. Donations should be directed to the Lance and Carla Burn Fund.

The Tea Fire began a little before 6pm on Thursday, November 13th above Montecito and Santa Barbara and the flames could be seen throughout South County. At about 9 a.m. Nov. 14, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency in Santa Barbara County as a result of the Tea Fire. It expanded towards the Riviera throughout the night. 

We are getting many emails from concerned families wanting to know how they can help... we are keeping in constant contact with the American Red Cross as to the needs. PLEASE CONTINUE TO CHECK HERE FOR CURRENT UPDATES on how you can help. We posted some stories below of how families have helped to give back.

Thank you to all of the emergency personnel and volunteers that have been out there fighting this fire.

Rachael & Julie

NEEDS

NEEDS:

We spoke with the American Red Cross to find out what they need:

• DONATIONS - they realize this is not a fun way to help however the donations allow them to purchase the specifics that are needed for the families and the situation. donate here
  
• VOLUNTEER -- Call the American Red Cross 687-1331 if you would like to be trained to help.
• CLOTHING AND FOOD DONATIONS Donations for the Evacuees: On Sat, Nov 15th, the Unity Shoppe in SB will be accepting clothing and household item donations for those affected by the Tea Fire. If you want to make a donation, please call the Red Cross at 687-1331 or visit www.unityshoppe.org
  
  
  THANK YOU to the families who donated items to Roosevelt's Event last weekend.  Click to read thank you letter...
  

They DO NOT need:

• Food - they cannot have food brought to the shelters because of health issues.
• Clothes -- they cannot take clothes right now -- they have no way to sort or distribute. They will be partnering with Catholic Charities and the Goodwill after they assess the needs. We will try to get a specific list of items to tell parents about as soon as it is available.

HOW RESIDENTS CAN HELP:

• Tea Fire Response Fund: United Way of SB County 100 percent of the proceeds, no overhead, will stay right here to help those in need.If you would like to donate its easy:Make checks payable to: "Santa Barbara Tea Fire Response Fund."By mail or drop them off at: The United Way of Santa Barbara, 320 East Gutierrez Street, Santa Barbara, 93101. Details
  
• Westmont Alumni (This group is for those who are dedicated to financially supporting Westmont College by sending a donation specifically for fire relief efforts. It doesn't need to be much and imagine what a difference it would make if all of the alumni were to give $10.): Contributions: Alumni Association - "Fire Relief" - 955 La Paz Rd - SB - CA 93108
• Monetary Donations: You can donate to: American Red Cross, Westmont, Cold Spring School, United Way, or to funds set up to help individuals.  A young couple, Lance and Carla Hoffman, were burned in the fire and are in critical condition. Click to read the story. Due to their extent of injuries, both victims were airlifted to a Regional Burn Center where they remain in critical but stable condition. A fund has been established for donations at Santa Barbara Bank and Trust, located at 1483 East Valley Rd, Montecito, CA. Donations should be directed to the Lance and Carla Burn Fund.
• Donate items: Parents at Roosevelt Elementary School are collecting new or gently used items for children and adults in the big blue recycling bins in the parking lot of the school, 1190 Laguna St.  Clothes, shoes, suitcases, toiletries, stuffed animals, sleeping bags, work gloves, and cameras are needed.  Please drop off items before Friday. ** The giveaway of all collected items will be from 11am to 2pm on Saturday, Nov 22 in the Roosevelt Cafeteria.  All fire victims are welcome to come to the giveaway.**  Due to overwhelming response and need, the Roosevelt Clothing giveaway will be extended to Sunday, Nov 23 11-4. We literally have thousands of women's, men's and children's pants, tops, jackets, etc. Free to everyone is need.

THANK YOU

• We talked to the American Red Cross this evening & were told that many families have delivered the requested towels, pillows and water. THANK YOU! (They are set for now on these items.) They also received a delivery of bottles of eye drops from a local mom.
  
• "I know a lot of sad kids right now that feel a little helpless. Spencer went out and collected money from all of our neighbors today and brought it to the shelter with some towels and pillows that we purchased at Costco per your website recommendations. It helped Spencer to feel like he was Doing Something To Help."
  
• "Our kids went out with their friends into the neighborhood and collected $100 and then added their allowance for the week. Tonight we are dropping it off for the Red Cross to use as needed for families in the shelter."
• Students from Crane School have been making "sifters" which have been greatly appreciated by families salvaging items from their homes. 
  

ASSISTANCE

ASSISTANCE FOR FIRE VICTIMS

• In response to the Tea Fire, TechEase Computer Solutions announces it is offering free internet access and data recovery services for victims affected by the fire.  The SB computer support company will also provide 3 months of online backups for free to new clients wishing to protect their important data from loss due to fire or the surrounding fall-out. Wifi, as well as workstations with internet access, will be provided to residents in the Tea Fire evacuation area free of charge in the TechEase office, located at 511 E. Gutierrez St.  Residents whose computers have been damaged by the fire may bring them to the TechEase office for complimentary on-site data recovery work. (805)564-EASE (3273)
• Make It Work is offering 50% off services and all products at cost. Call 877-MAKEITWORK
  
• Mr. Pink Computer Shrink If there are any T-fire victims who have gotten a new computer since the fire, they will make sure all virus and spyware programs are installed, configure email account(s), set-up wireless connection, get any and all updates installed, etc. for free through December 15th (we will consider extending this date if needed). As well, if a computer is needed, they will try our best to locate a donation. Contact: 966-2966
  
• Prudential California in Santa Barbara are offering fire victims free computer and internet services. You can stop by until 6p their office at 3868 State St. They are also offering free rental lists and will help anyone who has lost their home find temporary housing. Any questions can directed to 687-2666.
• Particle masks are available at Firestation 1 on Carrillo in downtown Santa Barbara and at San Marcos High School
• Santa Barbara Bank and Trust is offering free rooms at the Miramonte Hotel, and food gift certificates to those who have lost their home in the Tea Fire. Please call: 805-564-6456
• One month free storage for Tea Fire victims: A-American Self Storage, 962-0721
• Free dinner Sat, Nov 15th for Tea Fire victims: Outback Steakhouse, 5 - 7:00pm p.m.   964-0599
• ASA National and its local chapter in Santa Barbara stand ready to assist families and individuals with autism spectrum disorders in finding the resources they need to help them find shelter or assistance during this crisis. 805-560-3762. The local chapter is checking voicemail on an hourly basis. For autism-specific information on how to prepare, take a look at our "Disaster Preparedness Tips for Families Affected by Autism."
• Toni Wellen, MFT is available for crisis counseling to fire victims and can be reached at 684-8434.
• Horney Toad is giving away free clothes to Tea Fire Victims. It is going on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday of this week(Nov. 24-26) from 12:00 to 4:00. Their address is 15 West Mason They have some men's clothes, mostly womens and some clothes that could fit young girls age 12 to 13.

CHILD CARE & ACTIVITY OPTIONS:

• The MY GYM staff is hosting a Parent Night Out for free to any family put out by the Tea Fire. It will be tomorrow night, Sunday the 16th from 4:30-8:00. We'll provide the pizza and fun. Limited to first 25 so call 563-7336 to let them know if you can make it.Jennifer Caesar, owner of MY GYM has offered her facility to any families that need a place for their kids to be that have been affected by school closures or evacuations.
• Paige Shields, owner of Whiz Kidz is offering the following.... Whiz Kidz Computer Gaming & Learning Center will be open on Friday, to assist families evacuated due to the fire. You are welcome to come to Whiz Kidz for internet access to conduct business, make travel arrangements, etc...and kids can play games with parent permission. The only charge will be a suggested donation of $5 per hour which will go directly to the SB County Fire Department. Located across the street from San Marcos High School in the shopping center at Turnpike Rd. & Hollister. If we can help your family in any way please don't hesitate to contact (805) 696-9449.
• Joan McClaren, owner of Newborns at Home is offering a special reduced rate for any evacuating families with newborns (under 3 months) who need assistance. Contact 451-7302 or newbornsnurse@aol.com.
• Somerset Preschool/Child Care is offering reduced rates to any families evacuated due to the fire.  Contact: Carol at 967-6298
• Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara's Santa Barbara Center, located at 531 E. Ortega Street, is open full day for girls that have been displaced because of fire loss and/or school closure. Please call 963-4017 for more information or go directly to Girls Inc. at 531 E. Ortega Street.
• The Boys & Girls Club of SB at 632 E. Canon Perdido St. (behind SB High School) is open today. Kids may come here up until 7:00 p.m.
• Organizational Services: I am offering my services for free to anyone who needs help who has lost a home or been evacuated. I can assist helping people re-ntry into homes who evacuated and have to put stuff away or assist with papers etc in any organizational way that they need. I am offering my services for free from now until Sunday, Nov. 23. Contact: Eve Brière, 805 448 2397, eve@everythingsorganized.biz
• Families needing assistance with childcare are welcome to use University Sitters free of subscription charges. We suggest multiple family bookings as an option for families in evacuation centers. Contact Rebecca: 323-547-7088 or sitters@universitysitters.com

UPDATES

NOVEMBER 18, 2008 - 11am -- Update

• 100 PERCENT CONTAINED.
• Fire Status 1,940 acres burned
• 210 residences destroyed, 130 City of Santa Barbara, 80 County of Santa Barbara, and 9 damaged
• Damage assessment is continuing
• 319 parcels currently remain under evacuation
• 1,300+ firefighters and support personnel
• 22 injuries from smoke inhalation
• 3 burn injuries
  
  

NOVEMBER 15, 2008 - 2pm -- Update

• 40 PERCENT CONTAINED.
  
• 2,000 Firefighters
• 110 homes destroyed & 9 damaged.
• 3 Burn injuries & 17 smoke inhalation injuries. (The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department has closed the Franklin Clinic until further notice.)
• The mandatory evacuation order previously in effect has been lifted:
  

  Ashley Road and all roads east
  Mission Canyon below Tunnel Road. (Mission Canyon north of Tunnel Road remains closed)
  Alameda Padre Serra (APS) west of Arboledo to Mission. All roads north of APS between Arboledo and 5 Points remain closed
  Eucalyptus Hill Road and all other adjacent access roads

  Note: APS east from 5 points to Barker Pass is closed. (Residents of Overlook Lane are permitted with ID)
  Note: Barker Pass Road between Eucalyptus Hill Road and Sycamore Canyon will remain closed

• We spent some time over at the San Marcos shelter last night and the good news is that there were not many families there. We are hoping this means more people are either back in their homes or with friends. The American Red Cross was so appreciative of all the donations yesterday of towels, water and pillows.

• Please STAY OUT OF THE FIRE AREAS! This will help the fire fighters do their job.
  
• Please CONSERVE WATER! Firefighters need this water to put out the fires.
  
• We all need to CONSERVE ENERGY to help with the power outages Santa Barbara residents continue to experience.
  
• Remember that the air quality is very poor so be sure to minimize outside physical activity and time spent outdoors.  Air Quality Control

NOVEMBER 15, 2008 - 8:00am -- Update

• 2,500 acres burned and the fire is still going strong.
• 110 homes Destroyed well as more than 15 buildings on Westmont Campus. (1,500 still threatened)
• At 3:30 p.m., the CA Department of Public Health issued a Boil Water Order for the portion of area currently under a Mandatory Evacuation Order due to the Tea Fire. People in this area are advised to NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one (1) minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking and food preparation until further notice.
• MANDATORY EVACUATION:  Click for a Map (5,446 evacuated)
  North of 192 between Hot Springs and Mission Canyon
  All of Sycamore Canyon
  North of 192 between Sycamore Canyon and Gibralter Rd.
  Hot Springs (eastern boundary) to Tunnel Rd. (western boundary) from Hwy 192 @ Hot Springs to Barker Pass to Alameda Padre Sierra (southern boundary) to Camino Cielo (northern boundary)
  Both sides of Tunnel Rd. above Montrose
  Only residents on the east side of Tunnel Rd. below Montrose
  Residents on Gibralter Rd. above the west fork of the Cold Springs Trail should evacuate to the North via Camino Cielo. Residents below the west fork should evacuate to the South 
  
• Westmont Students have been evacuated to the Gym. They are now able to leave the gym if they have a place to go. (Ocean Hills has opened the Loft to Westmont students 821 State St.)  Read Westmont Blog
• Evacuation WARNING:
  North of 192 from Hot Springs Rd. east to San Ysidro Rd.
  Mission Canyon north of Foothill Rd. to Tunnel Rd. westbound on Foothill to Ontare Rd., Ontare Rd. north of Foothill Rd.
  Bordered on the north by Alameda Padre Sierra, on the east by Montecito St. to Milpas, Milpas to Anapamu, Anapamu to Laguna, and Laguna to Los Olivos, and Los Olivos to Alameda Padre Sierra
• Road Closures: Mission Canyon at Foothill, Ashley Road, San Ysidro Road, Sycamore Canyon, APS to Mission Canyon to Camino Cielo, Gibraltar Road at Mountain Drive, Gibraltar Road at Painted Cave
• 13 injuries at this time.

To those of you that have been evacuated or that have lost your homes, our thoughts and prayers are with you. If you have been evacuated or have lost a home and want to post a message -- we can add an update to the bottom of our newsletter. I know there are many family and friends outside the area emailing us for updates because they are not sure as to who has been affected.  We will do our best to continue to post updates and whatever we can to help with the communication.

SCHOOL & BUSINESS UPDATES

SCHOOL UPDATES:

These schools will be closed on Friday:

FOOTBALL GAMES:

• Dos Pueblos game will now be played at Buena High School in Ventura, 7 p.m.
• Bishop Garcia Diego High School football vs. Oak Park High School at SBCC scheduled for 7:30 pm Friday, November 14, 2008 is canceled.

Closed Businesses on 11/14:

• SB Museum of Natural History
• SB Botanical Gardens
• SB Zoo

All schools in the Santa Barbara Elementary and High School Districts will be open on Monday, November 17, 2008. In light of the smoke and particulates in the air, our schools will curtail outside activities. Please be advised that Cold Spring Elementary School and Montecito Union School will also be open on Monday.

EVACUATION CENTERS

• An American Red Cross Evacuation Center has been established at San Marcos High School at 4750 Hollister Avenue at the intersection of Turnpike Road and Hollister Avenue.
• Westmont College --Students have been evacuated to the gym.
• Small animals can be taken to the Humane Society on Patterson Avenue and large animals can be taken to Earl Warren Show grounds off of Las Positas. 805/681-4332
• An Evacuation Order means residents are being directed to leave their homes immediately.
  An Evacuation Warning means residents should be prepared to leave immediately if their area is upgraded to an Order.

HOMES & STREETS that have BURNED

Feel free to email us if you know of other addresses.

• 940 Coyote Rd.
• 825 Westmont Rd.
• Circle Dr.
• Las Alturas
• Stanwood Dr. (1900 block)
• Streets... Conejo Road, Parma Park, and Banana and Coyote roads.
  
• Mount Calvary Retreat House & Monastery, 2500 Mount Calvary Road, was destroyed.
  
• 20 and 30 and 44 Camino Alto
• 19 and 20 Camino Verde
• 642 and 646 and 656 Las Alturas Rd
• 2121 Stanwood Dr.
  

*It is called the Tea Fire because it started above the Tea House.