(Gazing West Towards the City of Santa Barbara, Dec. 21, 2017, photo credit A. Wagner, SBPD)
All evacuations for our City have been lifted. Check out our bilingual video message from City leadership to bookend our coverage: https://youtu.be/c1ooGCCaQHA
It seems fitting that Incident Commanders in conjunction with officials from Santa Barbara County would lift their evacuation orders on the Winter Solstice, the day with the shortest period of daylight and the longest night of the year - an embedded fresh start.
From today through the Summer Solstice, each day will be a bit longer, each night a bit shorter, and the sun will rise a bit higher in the sky. Such a marvelous metaphor for our recovery from the long night of the Thomas Fire!
The fire has now burned over 272,000 acres and destroyed or damaged 983 homes. It is the second largest fire in California's history, and is expected to take the top spot soon. Although some firefighters have been released to return to their home districts, over 5600 personnel are still assigned and working to stamp out the remaining hotspots and areas of active burn. Full containment is expected to occur approximately January 7, 2018.
Last night the fire containment lines held and a sequel to Saturday was avoided.
Our next step is to stand with our neighbors who lost homes and return to frequenting our local shops that took such an economic hit. It seems safe to breathe a sigh of relief regardless of circumstance. After all, we are Santa Barbara Strong.
Now that the crisis has abated, the City of Santa Barbara will no longer be issuing these updates for the Thomas Fire with frequency.
Your help is appreciated in sharing bilingual information with friends and neighbors and other community groups who can assist with public outreach.
The City of Santa Barbara is delivering fire updates in Spanish on the City's YouTube site. To view the latest update visit: https://youtu.be/c1ooGCCaQHA
The Governor's Office of Emergency Services offers information like the location of various assistance centers, where to pick up N95 masks, and tips on preparing for evacuation, along with details about the various fires burning in the state. Visit: http://bit.ly/2ynNKyy
Important Tips
Leafblower use is strongly discouraged as they blow ash and particles into the air.
Residential recycling and green waste pickups are back on schedule. Read more at Facebook: CityTrash.RecyclingTwitter: SBCityTrash
Street sweeping has resumed in residential neighborhoods on Monday, December 18. It is important to get the ash and debris out of the streets where it is frequently being re-suspended in the air after being disturbed by passing vehicles. The City is working with County Public Health Officials on an action plan. View the schedule: http://bit.ly/2jXkACb
To clean up ash in a safe manner, please review the latest recommendations. Click here for more information: http://bit.ly/2iYsdXT
Information Sources
If you have not signed up for emergency alerts, you will not receive urgent messages! Sign up for emergency alerts from Santa Barbara County at: awareandprepare.org
Check the information sources below to get current updates.
