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Yahoo![Press Release from SB County Public Information Office] At 7:28 p.m. as a result of the Gap Fire, Edison lines were temporarily damaged causing power outages on the South Coast.
We urge all South Coast residents, if you have power, to reduce power usage immediately. At this time there is not an estimated time for restoration of power. Please stay informed through the various media listed here: Fire page.
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Update: Supes Declare Local Emergency
Due to the expansion of the Gap Fire, the County of Santa Barbara proclaimed a local state of emergency at 9:55pm Wednesday evening, July 2, 2008.
The Board of Supervisors will ratify the declaration at a televised special meeting at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, July 3, 2008, at the County Administration Building located at 105 East Anapamu in downtown Santa Barbara.
This declaration helps the County to compete for firefighting resources that are presently in short supply statewide.
The public can also go online to Santa Barbara County website for more information or call (805) 961-5770
Residents are advised to stay alert for additional information by listening to County Government cable TV station Channel 20, or the following AM or FM radio “Stations of Choice” for Emergency Public Information or other local television stations listed on this page.
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Summary of the Gap Fire (from Inciweb)
The Gap Fire started at approximately 5:45p.m. on July 1 in the West Camino Cielo area, 4 miles west of State Highway 154 in Los Padres National Forest. The fire is continuing to burn steadily downslope from the top of the ridge and has consumed an estimated 260 acres. The fire is burning in heavy chaparral fuels (15-20 feet tall), in extremely steep and rocky terrain. Winds out of the north (slight "sundowner" winds) last night pushed the fire downslope to the south at a moderate rate of spread. During the early hours of the fire, spotting occured ahead of the fire and flame lenths of 10-30 feet were reported.
The general location of the Gap blaze (This map has been updated with corrections; the definitions of the markers may be seen by clicking the the larger image link)
Firefighters on the ground, during during daylight hours, are aided by fixed wing air tankers and water-dropping helicopters. In addition to the firefighting resources already engaged, many additional engines, crews and other equipment are en route.
No structures have been reported as being lost. Approximately 200 houses are considered threatened at this time and a mandatory evacuation is in place for Glen Annie Canyon and La Patera Canyon where there are scattered homes. An Evacuation Warning is in place for residents between Glen Annie and Fairview, north of Cathedral Oaks.
An evacuation center has been established by the American Red Cross at San Marcos High School at 4750 Hollister Avenue, Santa Barbara. A pet shelter has been set up at the facility. Assistance in transporting large animals is available by calling 805-681-4332. Residents are urged to stay alert for additional information by listening to County Government cable TV station Channel 20, or local AM or FM radio stations.
On the Internet, the public can go to the County of Santa Barbara website for more information.
This fire is being managed under a Unified Command by the United States Forest Service and the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.
Related Links
Double-clicking on any word or phrase in this story will open a reference window with definitions and links to other reference material.
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Our thoughts are with those impacted by the Gap fire. But the situation also turns thoughts to the fire hazard that the developer and our County government seem to be allowing to intensify in their attempt to increase pressure on the Montecito Planning Commission as the July 16 Miramar Beach Hotel hearing approaches.
The developer claims to have made friends in this community. Yet he allows the buildings to decay, and the trees, the bushes and the overgrown weeds on his 16-acre property to dry out and die during this freakishly dangerous fire season.
We don't need friends like this.
Like each of us, the developer has a legal and moral responsibility to minimize fire hazards on his property -- for himself, and for the community. Unfortunately, this isn't happening. And the County is failing to enforce the law
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Grace (anonymous profile)
July 2, 2008 at 11:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Great reporting! Best place I've found to come for information.
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sunnyday (anonymous profile)
July 3, 2008 at 12:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think that file location on the map is wrong -- the fire is actually several miles further West.
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Kratatoa (anonymous profile)
July 3, 2008 at 9:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks for the excellent coverage Indy - too bad it does no good when there is a power outage or people are evacuated in their cars or with a portable radio if lucky enough.
I sent an email to KTMS 990 programming director Keith Royer after a worrisome night of no power and the only source of news being KTMS 990 with the internet down and the TV not functioning - KTMS was playing their usual programming as if nothing was happening while we watched 50 foot flames in our back yard. We had to drive around to get our own news, something their reporters are apparently too lazy to do - all they gave out once in while if at all was the same stale canned stuff anyone can get from the official services- assuming they have power! We should not even be forced to drive around as this hampers evacuation and emergency efforts.
Keith called me directly and had the nerve to defensively and arrogantly proclaim he was proud of the service they provided and he was sorry that I was not satisfied, as if I was the only one affected or dissatisfied! If this was something to be proud of, the news staff snoozing during the most critical hours with no power, then I guess we should expect no improvement from our only local news station. I was impressed that he was concerned enough to make a personal call, but his concern was obviously for the reputation of his station instead of for me or the community. I would have been much happier with a humble apology and a commitment to do better than with the self satisfied false pride accusatory attitude he presented. Shameful and disgusting approach to community responsibility, especially being the only game in town, which may be the problem. We had no idea if we should pack or stay - where the fire was exactly, where it was headed, what homes if any are threatened or burning, what to expect in terms of weather, which of our friends or family might be affected and just to be safe we spent hours in the dark panicking and packing as we watched the flames approach with not even the radio which is the only possible source of information being any help whatsoever! I hate to think of what will happen next time if the conditions were worse. Fortunately we were lucky enough to be able to make it on our own this time using our own eyes and ears. Thanks for nothing KTMS! I am happy you are so proud.
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RForsyth (anonymous profile)
July 3, 2008 at 3:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
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