Two weeks following the start of the Tea Fire in Montecito, Santa Barbara County is trying to help those affected by the destruction left in the wake of the devastating fire.

Investigators learned the fire was caused by an improperly extinguished bonfire. A group of 10, 18 to 22 year olds, nine of whom were students at Santa Barbara City College, started the bonfire Nov. 12, and the leftover coals were reignited by strong winds Nov. 13. More than 1,940 acres burned, 200-plus homes were lost, 25 people injured, and one death may be related.

 

Initially, the idea of looters sifting through the remains was a concern, though there have not been reports of any looting to date. Now, with rain in the forecast, there is concern about flooding in the area. A flash flood warning for Sycamore Canyon and other Tea Fire areas was issued Nov. 24. The county, with the help of volunteers, has been working on erosion prevention and sand bagging potential flood areas. Creek cleaning crews also have been carving a path through Sycamore Creek to help prevent flooding.

 

Despite the vast loss, the community has pulled together to help as much as it can. Countless groups have donated time and money to providing food, shelter, clothes, counseling and other aid for fire victims.

There also have been funds set up for fire victims, including the Lance and Carla Burn Fund established at Santa Barbara Bank & Trust to help Lance and Carla Hoffman who were badly burned while escaping their home on East Mountain Drive.

They are still at the University of California, Irvine Burn Center, being treated for second- and third-degree burns. Lance was a 1997 Santa Ynez Valley Union High School graduate, and some of his family still live in the area. In a previous interview with Linda Hoffman, Lance’s mother, she said the couple could be in the hospital for a few months.

 

James Mills, Lance’s grandfather, said Lance’s lungs are burned and he will probably be on a respirator for three more weeks. He said Lance’s swelling has gone down, and Carla is getting closer to getting out of critical condition.

Eli Iskow, public information officer for the county’s fire department said that the fire officially was declared contained on Nov. 22.

“We’re done, our fire suppression role is done,” he said. He added that the next steps will be taken by the county and city of Santa Barbara.

“City planning and other county agencies will now get involved,” he said. “They’re actually moving quicker than I’ve seen them move before with the cleanup, rebuild process. All this stuff is happening way faster for sure, and they say they’re going to (expedite) the plans approval process so that the people who’ve lost their homes can start rebuilding. It’s really incredible.”

Iskow said that the last time a fire impacted the Montecito area like the Tea Fire was in 1977, with the Sycamore Canyon Fire.

 

India Allen contributed to this story. Reach Lauren Crecelius at lcrecelius@syvjournal.com.