May 9 09

Some Evacuation Orders Lifted

by admin at 11:57 am in Evacuations and Releases

For Sunday updates, please see the latest news stories here.

As of 11:40am
The Dos Pueblos shelter is closing. Shelters at UCSB remain open.
Hwy 154 North of Calle Real remains closed (except for emergency vehicles)
The Red Cross will distribute free Clean-Up Kits, dust masks, and water for those affected Satuday between 2pm and 6pm and Sunday from 10am to 5pm at their headquarters at 2707 State Street.

Effective at 10:40am - Residents of these locations may return. Evac warning stills exists in the area. Cautioned to remain aware of the potential for an evac order on short notice.

  • All residences south of Foothill (hwy 192), from Mission Canyon south to Los Olivos, Los Olivos to Garden, Garden to Constance, Constance to State, State west to San Roque, San Roque north to Foothill (hwy 192).
  • All residences south of Cathedral Oaks road from Patterson south to hwy 101, hwy 101 east to Turnpike, Turnpike north to Cathedral Oaks.

Effective at 11:30am

  • all residences south of Foothill from Hope Ave south to State, State east to San Roque, San Roque north to Foothill.
  • All residences south of Cathedral Oaks from Turnpike south to Hwy 101, Hwy 101 east to 154, 154 north to Catheral Oaks/Foothill

Effective at 12:00 noon

  • all residences south of Foothill, from Hope south to State, State west to 154, 154 north to Foothill

Hwy 154 north of calle real remains closed except for emergency vehicle traffic only. cathedral oaks from patterson avenue east continuing east past hwy 154/foothill road (hwy 192) to mission canyon road remain closed except for emergency vehicle traffic only.

Current as of 7:20pm Effective Immediately – All Residences Within The Following Area: Garden And Micheltorena, Micheltorena East, Extending To Alameda Padre Serra (aps), Alameda Padre Serra To Sycamore Canyon Road, Sycamore Canyon Road (hwy 144) To Stanwood Drive (hwy 192), Stanwood Drive (hwy 192) To Foothill Road (hwy 192), Foothill Road (hwy 192) To Mission Canyon Road, Mission Canyon Road To Los Olivos, Los Olivos To Garden Street, Garden Street South To Micheltorena.

Foothill Road (hwy 192) Remains Closed Except For Emergency Vehicle Traffic. Residents Residing South Of Foothill Road (hwy 192) Will Need To Utilize Alternative Routes To Return.

Areas South Of Foothill Road/stanwood/hwy 192 Are Now Within An Evacuation Warning Area.

May 9 09

Help Create a New RSS Feed

by admin at 11:44 am in How to Help

Attention software programmers, techies, web gurus, etc. JesusitaFire.org is looking for your assistance in writing a webpage–>XML/RSS scraper of the official County website. Email liam@jesusitafire.org if you would like to help.

Right now, if you want the most current info about the fire, you need to manually refresh the County’s website. They have an RSS feed for their official press releases but they do not have one for their evacuation orders (this is an example of when it would be helpful for the county to use a modern CMS).

It would be much better if the latest evacuation orders were available as an RSS feed that people could subscribe to. It would also be useful if people could receive notifications of new items added by email or SMS. So that’s what we’re trying to do. Our platform for this is http://evac.jesusitafire.org/.
read more…

May 8 09

Current Evacs - Fri: SB, Goleta, and Montecito

by admin at 3:13 pm in Evacuations and Releases

PLEASE CHECK OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT SITES TO ENSURE YOU HAVE THE LATEST INFORMATION
County site
Constantly updated map from the County
SB City site
City of Montecito

The new SB County Emergency fire info number is 805-681-5197 (they had to evacuate and relocate overnight)

The following from the County is current as of 9:37am
MANDATORY EVACUATION ORDER

ALL OTHER PREVIOUS MANDATORY EVACUATION ORDER AREAS REMAIN IN EFFECT.

The mandatory evacuation order includes westbound State Street from Constance to La Cumbre, north on La Cumbre to La Colina Road, west on La Colina Road to Hwy 154, Hwy 154 south to Us 101, west on Us 101 to Patterson, north on Patterson to San Jose Creek to Camino Cielo. All points north of us 101 boundary are under mandatory evacuation order. All areas north of Sycamore Canyon Road and East Valley Road (Highway 192) between El Cielito Road and Gibraltar Road on the western boundary to Hot Springs Road north to East Camino Cielo on the eastern boundary.

EVACUATION WARNINGS

THE PREVIOUS EVACUATION WARNING AREA ALSO REMAINS IN EFFECT AND INCLUDES:

The evacuation warning area includes Alamar at de la Vina, west on Alamar to Junipero St, west on Junipero St to us 101, north on us 101 to upper State Street, east on State Street to De La Vina south to Alamar Street. Warnings also continue from State Street and De La Vina, De La Vina to Anapamu, Anapamu to Anacapa, Anacapa south to De la Guerra, De la Guerra to Milpas, Milpas south to Quinientos Street, Quinientos Street to Clifton Street To Eucalyptus Hill Road, Eucalyptus Hill Road to Barker Pass, Barker Pass to Hwy 192 (Sycamore Canyon Road), Hwy 192 (Sycamore Canyon Road) west to Stanwood Drive.

May 8th, 12:00 P.M. The evacuation warning area is expanded (west end) to include the area of De La Vina and Vernon, south on Vernon to Stanley, west on Stanley to Las Positas, south on Las Positas to US 101, west on US 101 to State Street/Hwy 154.

The evacuation warning area in the southwest is expanded to include from Alamar Ave. at State Street, south on Alamar Ave to the Hwy 101, 101 west to the Hwy 154, 154 north to La Colina, La Colina east to La Cumbre, La Cumbre south to State Street, and State Street east to Alamar.

The evacuation warning area is also expanded (east end) to include the area of Milpas south to US 101, US 101 to San Ysidro Road, San Ysidro north to Camino Cielo.

May 8th, 7:15 A.M. The Evacuation Warning Area is expanded to include all areas north of East Valley Road (Highway 192) between Hot Springs Road to East Camino Cielo Road on the western boundary to San Ysidro Road, north to East Camino Cielo Road on the eastern boundary.

Older info:
Montecito
Mandatory evacuation order is expanded to include a portion of Montecito as follows:
All areas north of Sycamore Canyon and East Valley Rd (Hwy 192) between El Cielto Rd and Gibraltar Rd on the Western boundary, To Hot Springs Road North to East Camino Cielo on the Eastern Boundary

SB City, 1pm
The evacuation warning area is expanded (west end) to include the area of De La Vina and
Vernon, south on Vernon to Stanley, west on Stanley to Las Positas, south on Las Positas to
US 101, west on US 101 to State Street/Hwy 154.

The evacuation warning area is also expanded (east end) to include the area of Milpas south to
US 101, US 101 to San Ysidro Road, San Ysidro north to Camino Cielo.

All other previous evacuation warning areas remain in effect.
As of Friday, May 8, 2009, 1015 hrs.

Older info:
An Evacuation Order has been issued for the area west of the existing evacuation area to include all areas north of US Highway 101 and east of Patterson Avenue.

An Evacuation Warning/Advisory remains in effect for area north of US Highway 101 between Patterson Avenue and Fairview Avenue continuing north from the end of Fairview Avenue to West Camino Cielo (northern boundary). Residents are encouraged to prepare for the need to evacuate in the near future.

Mandatory Evacuation Orders
The Mandatory Evacuation Order is expanded to include westbound State Street from Constance to La Cumbre, north on La Cumbre to La Colina Road, west on La Colina Road to HWY 154, HWY 154 south to US 101, west on US 101 to Patterson, north on Patterson to San Jose Creek to Camino Cielo. All points north of US 101 boundary are under Mandatory Evacuation Order. All other previous Mandatory Evacuation Order Areas remain in effect.

Evacuation Warnings
The Evacuation Warning Area is expanded to include Alamar at De La Vina, west on Alamar to Junipero St, wets on Junipero St to US 101, north on US 101 to upper State Street, east on State Street to De La Vina south to Alamar Street. Warnings also continue from State Street and De La Vina, De La Vina to Anapamu, Anapamu to Anacapa, Anacapa south to De La Guerra, De La Guerra to Milpas, Milpas south to Quinientos Street, Quinientos Street to Clifton Street to Eucalyptus Hill Road, Eucalyptus Hill Road to Barker Pass, Barker Pass to HWY 192 (Sycamore Canyon Road), HWY 192 (Sycamore Canyon Road) west to Stanwood Drive.

Westmont College has asked its students to evacuate as well.

Please see this updated map from the County of Santa Barbara.

MONTECITO EVACUATION
Mandatory Evacuation Orders
Mandatory evacuation order is expanded to include a portion of Montecito as follows:
All areas north of Sycamore Canyon and East Valley Rd (Hwy 192) between El Cielto Rd and Gibraltar Rd on the Western boundary,
To Hot Springs Road North to East Camino Cielo on the Eastern Boundary

Evacuation Warning
Evacuation Warning area is expanded to include all areas North of East Valley Road (Hwy 192) between Hot Springs Rd to East Camino Cielo Road on the Western boundary to San Ysidro Rd, North to East Camino Cielo Road on Eastern boundary.

ALL PREVIOUS ORDERS AND WARNINGS REMAIN IN EFFECT

See this evac checklist for ideas on the process.

Residents who require non-emergency medical assistance and who need assistance in evacuating should call 893-5001. Do not call 911.

Please do not contact this number unless you need help evacuating. The Jesusita Fire County Call Center info line has reopened and is 805-681-5197.

May 8 09

Foodbank Needs Volunteers

by admin at 2:43 pm in How to Help

Foodbank of Santa Barbara County Calls for 50 Volunteers to the Hollister Warehouse by 1 pm Today to Help Address Immediate Needs of Jesusita Fire Evacuees

Santa Barbara, CA - The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is asking for the community’s support to rally together 50 volunteers by 1:00 pm today at the Hollister Warehouse located at 4554 Hollister Avenue to put together 2500 emergency comfort kits for the evacuees of the Jesusita Fire.

Anyone who would like to help put together the emergency comfort kits should call the Foodbank’s Community Relations Manager Diane Hadighi at the Foodbank at 967-5741 ext. 112. The Foodbank will also be accepting food donations for the evacuees. The Foodbank needs the following items only: small jars peanut butter, individual size toiletries, individual size box juices; granola bars/power bars, diapers, bottled water, and canned meats such as tuna/chicken.

Absolutely no clothing or non-food donations will be accepted.

Please contact the Santa Barbara Warehouse at (805) 967-5741 ext. 112, to help those in need by volunteering today and by donating the needed items.

May 7 09

Shelter Update - Now at UCSB

by admin at 10:42 pm in Shelter, Masks, Resources

The Red Cross at Dos Pueblos High School is full. Additionally, 7,000 more homes will need to evacuate which is approximately 18,000 more people. As such, emergency shelters are now on the UCSB campus. When evacuating to one of the Red Cross shelters bring your important documents: Passport/birth certificate, medications, irreplaceable items, and 2 days of clothes. (Also see this evac checklist). Facilities have mens/womens showers and staff have necessary items, tooth brushes, deodorant. Red Cross staff can assist you with finding a place for animals.

Shelter 1: UCSB Rec Cen (the MAC) - Capacity: 900 (possibly 2300)

Go to the UCSB Rec Cen inside the Multi Activity Court (MAC). See here for info about the MAC.

Directions: From 101 take Highway 217 towards UCSB. At the UCSB Main Gate and traffic circle head right. Continue straight to the 3rd light, turn Left onto Ocean Road. Parking is in the structure on the left. The shelter inside the Rec Cen on the right. UCSB staff will assist you.

Google Map to UCSB Rec Cen

Shelter 2: UCSB Events Center (Thunderdome) - Capacity: 6000

Anyone with medical needs or other special needs will be taken to the Thunderdome. See here for info about the Thunderdome. The Thunderdome is on Ocean and El Collegio. Google Map of the Thunderdome. Directions to the Thunderdome.

See here for UCSB Campus maps.

You can also camp at Girsh Park in Goleta if you would like (behind Costco).

May 7 09

Current Evacuation Orders

by admin at 8:58 pm in Evacuations and Releases

IF YOU FEEL THREATENED, YOU SHOULD EVACUATE. DO NOT WAIT FOR OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION.

PLEASE SEE THE OFFICIAL COUNTY PAGE FOR THE LATEST

SEE THIS RECENT MAP - Includes 101 to Fairview in Warning Area (official County map)

The Evacuation Info has been updated and is on a newer post.

Click on title or below for old updates below the fold
read more…

May 7 09

North of Foothill West to Hwy 154 MUST EVACUATE

by admin at 8:07 pm in Evacuations and Releases

IF YOU FEEL THREATENED, YOU SHOULD EVACUATE. DO NOT WAIT FOR OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION.

PLEASE SEE THE OFFICIAL COUNTY PAGE FOR THE LATEST

The Evacuation Info has been updated and is on a newer post.

Click on title or below for old updates archived below the fold
read more…

May 7 09

Shelters, hotels and more

by admin at 3:59 pm in Shelter, Masks, Resources

Free shelter

The Red Cross has 3 emergency shelters
1. Dos Pueblos High School (FULL)
7266 Alameda Avenue, Goleta
Phone: (805) 687-1331

2. UCSB RecCen
See this post for info.

3. UCSB Thunderdome
See this post for info.

Camping

Camino Real Marketplace and Girsh Park are giving people a place to go. You can set up a tent and camp on the grassy area of Girsh Park if you would like. For info, see www.girshpark.org or this Indy story.

Hotels

The LA Times has a list of pet friendly hotels cooperating in fire relief.

Apartments

The Towbes Group is offering apartments for free until June. 805-962-2121

Mail

If you are in an evacuation area, such as ZIP 93105 you may be able to pick up your mail at the San Roque Station, 3355 State St

Masks

Direct Relief will distribute masks today, Friday, from 11am-2pm at three sites: Goleta Valley Community Center, Loreto Plaza, and Lazy Acres.

Medical clinics

Low cost/sliding scale+FREE servics: www.SBClinics.com
4 appts: 805-961-4628. Hrs: Sat: 9am-12pm

Transportation

Free rides from EasyLift for those who need it tonight: 681-1181

Storage

Goleta Valley Mini Storage wrote in to alert us that they are offering free storage for evacuees. 5380 Overpass Road. Drop by or call 964-3104

There is also free self storage to evacuees at Paterson Allstore. 98 N Patterson Ave, 805-964-0924

Office space/coworking

TechEase Computer Solutions is inviting those displaced by the fire to come into the TechEase office at located at 511 East Gutierrez Street in Santa Barbara. Wifi, phones, printers, fax machines, as well as workstations with internet access will be provided to residents in the Jesusita Fire evacuation area free of charge.

Computer repair

Make It Work, today announced that it will provide free technology service and support (data recovery, network solutions and support for computers, mobile devices, and other gadgets) to Santa Barbara residents that lose their home in the current Jesusita Fire.

Make It Work is also offering discounts to all residents affected by the fire but whose homes still exist. For more see this press release (.doc).

TechEase is offering complimentary on-site data recovery work to any residents whose computers have been damaged by the fire. Simply stop by the TechEase office.

Counseling

The Hosford Counseling and Psychological Services Clinic is offering free counseling to those affected by the Jesusita Fire. (805) 893-8064

Animal shelters

Large animals: Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real, Santa Barbara
Small animals: Santa Barbara Humane Society, 5399 Overpass Rd, Goleta

Kenneling

Some local kennels are offering discounted rates. Consider checking on craigslist.
Also, there is a rumor that small animals can be taken to Dioji on the 7300 block of Hollister.

Insurance

DMA Housing (http://www.dmahousing.com/) contacted us. They say they specialize in assisting policyholders and there insurance companies arrange temporary housing. They did not mention any discounted services. (They have not paid us/this is not an ad. We don’t really know much about them but have included them for the time being.)

Electricity bills

Southern California Edison (SCE) customers whose homes were destroyed or rendered uninhabitable by the recent Jesusita fire in Santa Barbara will not have to pay for electricity used since the last bill they received at those damaged residences. The utility is also offering payment arrangements to those who were indirectly affected by the fire.

If you are a business that would like to offer services or discounts to fire victims, please email liam@jesusitafire.org and we will make an announcement.

May 7 09

Please conserve water

by admin at 3:42 pm in How to Help

In light of the Jesusita fire in Santa Barbara and its potential impacts on water supplies, water districts are asking their customers to use water for essential uses only. Reservoir storage levels have been adversely affected by the extreme customer demand resulting from the very hot, dry weather. The districts are asking customers to postpone such uses as landscape irrigation, washing of vehicles and other outdoor water uses until the Jesusita fire threat has passed. If you evacuate, please turn off your water service to avoid potential loss of water pressure in the affected area. Water supply updates will be issued as the situation progresses.

May 7 09

Houses burned

by admin at 3:22 pm in Fire Status

Updated Firday afternoon with new information

Streets on which homes have burned or been damaged include:

  • Palomino Road
  • Mission Canyon Road
  • Tunnel Road
  • Holly Road
  • Spyglass Ridge Road

Please note that this is only a partial list at this time, and that the number of homes affected on each street and the extent of the damage is unknown. The Indy reports that 1500, 1501, 1502, 1503, 1505, and 1510 Mission Canyon Road survived.

We also know that structures at the Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens were lost as well.

KEYT is now reporting that homes were burned on Vista Road.
A firefighter mentioned that there may have been damage on Via de Santos road on KEYT.

Friday update: LA Times reports on the briefing, expect the number of houses damaged or destroyed to go up from 75.

Friday update 2: The Indy has a very useful article, “Assessing What’s Burned“. As of 1:30 p.m. on Friday, the following is a rough summary of what The Indy’s team of reporters has been able to put together. Please check the actual article for specific details. Also please note that we cannot verify any of this information and the Indy may be mistaken.

The following areas appear to be mostly undamaged: Ben Lomond Drive, Arriba Way, Kenmore Place, Dorking Loop, Cheltenham (above Kenmore), lower stretch of Antone, Cienguitas Road, Cocopah Drive, Laurel Canyon Road, San Roque Road, Ontare Road, Morada Lane and Vista Elevada (unsure about Vista)

Homes were reported lost at the following

  • 5-6 homes gone on Palomino Road
  • 1 home burned on Williams Way (between 2794 and 2776)
  • 4 houses & 1 cottage on Montrose Place (2625, 2626 and the two properties to the NW of 2660. Cottage across the street from 2660.)
  • 1 house on Edgemound Drive (1199?)
  • numerous homes on Tunnel Road
  • numerous homes on Holly Road (2730, 2745, 2809 and home to the west, 2820, 2850, 2938, 2934, 2921, 2931, and 2600)

The Indy also highlights Mercury Press Intl. pictures. Condolences to those who have lost homes.

Saturday Update:
We have heard that 1667 Las Canoas Road has been lost as well as other homes on the same ridgeline.

May 7 09

Evacuation warning expanded

by admin at 3:14 pm in Evacuations and Releases

A reverse 911 call went out at 3:11 to expand the evacuation warning area. We will post it here as soon as we find it.

May 7 09

Fire progress - 2pm

by admin at 2:06 pm in Fire Status

Stats:
• 1,300 acres burned
• 0% contained
• Multiple homes have been damaged or destroyed
• 4,715 homes evacuated; affects approx. 12,000 people
• 5,200 homes under evacuation warning; approx. 12,000 people affected
• 1400 personnel on scene: 20 strike teams; 2 type 1 hand crews; 2 type 2 crews
• Twenty strike teams from other jurisdictions have responded
• 8 fixed wing aircraft and 6 helicopters
• 10 firefighter injuries: 3 burn, 7 minor injuries
• Cause under investigation: Tip line – 805-686-5074
• Air quality warning remains in effect
• Limited and difficult access
• 100 unconfirmed structures burned.

The LA Times is reporting that the fire is heading south.

Also, a second area is now on fire as well - on Camino Cielo and the 154 is closed. See here. Apparently this is only the north side of the Jesusita fire.

May 7 09

Current evacuation orders - Thursday 1:30pm

by admin at 12:09 pm in Evacuations and Releases

PLEASE SEE THE OFFICIAL COUNTY PAGE FOR THE LATEST

The Evacuation Info has been updated and is on a newer post.

Click on title or below for old updates after the jump
read more…

May 7 09

Respirator masks available

by admin at 10:35 am in Shelter, Masks, Resources

Direct Relief International will be distributing respirator masks to the public from noon to 3pm today at the following locations:

  • Loreto Plaza (State and Las Positas) - Google map
  • Lazy Acres on the Mesa (302 Meigs Road near Cliff Drive) - Google Map

See more about their response here.

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District Tuesday issued an air quality warning for the Santa Barbara areas east of Highway 154.

If you see or smell smoke in the air where you are, be cautious and use common sense to protect your family’s health. Everyone, especially people with heart or lung disease (including asthma), older adults, and children, should limit time spent outdoors, and avoid outdoor exercise when smoke is in the area. If you have symptoms of lung or heart disease that may be related to exposure to smoke and particles, including repeated coughing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness or pain, palpitations, nausea or unusual fatigue or lightheadedness, contact your health care provider.

Levels of smoke and particles will depend on changes in winds, and the movement of the fire. Residents are also cautioned to avoid stirring up soot particles during cleanup and especially to avoid using leaf blowers.

May 7 09

Animal rescue news

by admin at 9:54 am in How to Help Shelter, Masks, Resources

Santa Barbara County Animal Services and our community partners — including the Santa Barbara Humane Society, ASAP, and Equine Evac — have provided emergency care for more than 300 animals displaced by the Jesusita Fire as of May 6, 2009. It has been a collaborative effort to provide safe care for pets during this traumatic time. Many pet owners have expressed appreciation knowing their animals are safe and secure.

Individuals in our community who would like to support their effort may make donations to the Santa Barbara Humane Society. The following items are particularly needed:

  • Large # of crates needed for immediate animal evacs. Bring to Humane Society at 5399 Overpass Rd
  • Portable folding wire pens of any height for dogs and cats
  • Pedigree small crunchy bites dry dog food
  • Pedigree chunky beef and chicken canned dog food
  • Johnny Cat Original cal litter (unscented and non-clumping)
  • Whiska’s dry cat food
  • Friskies mixed grill canned cat food

The Santa Barbara Humane Society is located at 5399 Overpass Road, and is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For further information call 805-964-4777. The Animal Services Hotline for the fire is 805-681-4332.

Shelters for animals are located at the following sites:

  • Large animals: Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real, Santa Barbara
  • Small animals: Santa Barbara Humane Society, 5399 Overpass Rd, Goleta
May 7 09

Information kiosks set up

by admin at 9:37 am in Evacuations and Releases

The City of SB has set up public information kiosks in the following locations

  • Paseo Nuevo (State and De La Guerra Streets)
  • Loreto Plaza (State Street and Las Positas Road)
  • Scolari’s Food Co. (222 North Milpas Street)
  • Lazy Acres (302 Meigs Road)

These kiosks will be updated as frequently as possible. The public is encouraged to consult these as well as other sources of information.

May 7 09

Current evacuation warnings

by admin at 9:28 am in Evacuations and Releases

PLEASE SEE THE OFFICIAL COUNTY PAGE FOR THE LATEST

The Evacuation Info has been updated and is on a newer post.

Click on title or below for old updates after the jump
read more…

May 7 09

How you can help

by admin at 1:31 am in How to Help

Already the fire in Santa Barbara is a tragedy. People have been injured and homes have been lost. We know that already this is a disastrous event for our community, but what remains to be seen is how our community will respond. You can help your neighbors!

Volunteer

We need volunteers on the ground. Volunteer training sessions are scheduled May 8th & May 9th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Goleta Presbyterian Church, 6067 Shirrell Way, Goleta. Registration begins at 9:15 a.m. at the church. You may also stop by the Goleta Community Center to register. This training is free. For more information about this training session call 729-6885.

The Red Cross is also holding a training session for Disaster Mental Health May 8th from 8:30 a.m. to Noon at Goleta Presbyterian Church, 6067 Shirrell Way, Goleta. Those interested must be licensed Psychiatrists, Psychologists or MFTs. Bring your credentials.

All spontaneous volunteers must take a Red Cross orientation and classes in Emergency Shelter Operations and Mass Care, which will be held several times over the next few days.Call 729-6885 for details or visit sbredcross.org.

Alternatively, you can volunteer with the Foodbank or volunteer with the United Way.

Donate

Note: Beware of telemarketing scams regarding the fire. Do not give away credit card numbers without verifying the call is legitimate.

Emergency Relief

Besides donating to the Red Cross, there are other groups you may be interested in supporting with a monetary investment in our community and our neighbors.

  • Direct Relief USA - Already DRI is distributing masks and will likely assist in other manners as well. 100% of your contribution goes to services they provide.
  • IAFF525 Charity Fund - The city firefighters have a fund set up and 100% of donations go to either victims of the fire or to local organizations.
  • SB Firefighters Alliance - While this fund is not for victims, 100% of donations go to the procurement of new firefighting equipment. Donate online here.
  • United Way Jesusita Fund - The United Way has set up a long-term recovery fund. 100% of the funds raised will be used to help those affected by the fire. Donate online here.
  • Unity Shoppe Disaster Relief - The Unity Shoppe needs monetary donations to purchase needed items. In kind donations also being accepted. For a list of items needed please visit their website. Fire victims can receive assistance with their immediate needs (clothing, personal care items, etc.) and also receive long term recovery assistance (such as food, household items, furniture, etc.) Donations can be made at 1236 Chapala Street, 805-965-4122 disaster@unityshoppe.org

Animal Services

A number of great organizations are assisting in the rescuing and sheltering of animals. You can send checks to the following addresses.

Donate services

Already a number of local businesses are offering services. Hotels are offering discounted rates, kennels are offering to provide free kenneling of dogs, and more. TechEase, a computer repair company is offering free hard drive recovery work of damaged computers. Additionally, they have opened up their offices for temporary coworking and are providing free wifi. If you have a business, consider making donations of services or space and let us know so we can add you to the site.

There are likely other ways people can help. If you are aware of additional outlets, feel free to leave them in the comments section or contact us.

May 7 09

Road closures in Santa Barbara

by admin at 1:13 am in Closures

The following are roads that may be closed in Santa Barbara. From this source.

read more…

May 7 09

Santa Barbara school closures for Thursday

by admin at 1:09 am in Closures

The following schools have been closed for Friday:
read more…

May 7 09

Summary of second day of fire

by admin at 12:29 am in Fire Status

As Wednesday ends, here’s what we know:

  • 1,300 firefighters on lines
  • 500+ acres burned, 0% contained
  • 20+ homes burned
  • 2,000 homes evacuated. 8,000 people displaced.
  • 3 firefighters injured

The Governor has declared a state of emergency and will speak in Santa Barbara Thursday morning at 9am.

May 7 09

Collaborative Google Map

by admin at 12:15 am in Evacuations and Releases


View Jesusita Fire in a larger map Collaborative Google Map

May 6 09

Listen to police and fire radio online

by admin at 11:54 pm in Evacuations and Releases

If you are interested in the most recent information about the emergency response to the fire, you can listen to streaming audio of a local scanner at ScanAmerica. Here are some various links: .aspx (Windows Media Player), .m3u (iTunes), .ram (RealPlayer), or try the in-browser Adobe Flash player. Many of those links can also be opened with the free VLC media player.

While ScanAmerica’s feed is working, unfortunately ScanCal’s broadcast of CDF is down. TheWayOfTheGun’s broadcast of Santa Barbara county also appears to be down. You might also try FireScan which covers NorCal fire departments.

For other breaking news, you can check http://twitter.com/SBCFireDispatch which recieves text updates from the fire dispatch center.

May 6 09

Wiki launched

by admin at 8:06 pm in Uncategorized

Plese help us compile useful information at http://wiki.jesusitafire.org/

May 6 09

Site launched

by admin at 6:34 pm in Uncategorized

We launched this site today to provide information about the current fire in Santa Barbara. We are beginning to assemble the information here. If you have any suggestions, feel free to contact us.

Update: Came across this post by Doc Searls asking “Uncomplicate your damn websites. Without exception, legacy media have websites that are far too complicated and jam-packed with visual noise, including promotions of junk that is highly uninteresting to visitors looking for hard facts about their homes and neighborhoods.” I agree. And that is the point of this site- a not-for-profit site with no ads, no links to nonrelevant news, and a simple design. If you have any comments on how I can improve this site, please email me at liam@jesusitafire.org