Daring Storm Rescues Throughout Santa Barbara County

January 10, 2023, 10:29 am 7.4k Views

By the edhat staff

Emergency responders were on the scene of several rescues during Monday’s storm in Santa Barbara County.

Here are a few of them: 

15 People Evacuated from Flooded Homes in Orcutt

Santa Barbara County Fire reports 15 people were evacuated on Monday evening due to flooding. 

This was in the 4200 block of Hibiscus in Orcutt. The Fire Department reports 500 homes are affected with 10-15 homes damaged and 20 homes evacuated.

There were no injuries reported but extensive damage to Union Valley Parkway near Santa Maria

Some of the damage includes road and catchment basin in Orcutt and a sink hole at Union Valley Parkway. Assessment teams surveying the entire County for damage assessments.

Three Rescued from Flooded Vehicle on Harris Grade Road

Santa Barbara County Firefighters responded to the area of Highway 135 and Harris Grade Road for a reported vehicle entrapment.

On Monday at 7:46 p.m., crews rescued three individuals from two vehicles that were trapped in flood waters.

There were no injuries or transports. Highway 135 was closed in the area.


Photo shows immediate need rescue using equipment available within time constraints of emergency ops. (Photo: SBCFD)

One Man Rescued Near Creek in Santa Ynez

County firefighters responded to a call of a stranded vehicle in Santa Ynez on Monday.

In the 1000 block of Alisos Ave, crews found a truck that attempted to cross a creek and was washed downstream.

One occupant was rescued. There were no injuries. 


Photo: SBCFD

Newborn and Parents rescued from Santa Ynez Riverbed in Lompoc

The Lompoc Police Department reports that around 11:45 a.m. Monday, firefighters were in the 2000 block of North H Street checking on black smoke they’d seen in the area when they discovered a woman prematurely giving birth with the help of the child’s father.

The Fire Department contacted them while they formulated a plan to rescue the trio, as they were surrounded by water flowing through the riverbed. 

The Fire Department managed to get all parties out of the riverbed, and the child was immediately taken to the Lompoc Hospital, along with the mother. Once at the hospital, the Lompoc Police responded based on the circumstances of potential child endangerment. 

The Lompoc Police Department is investigating the case. Child Welfare Services was notified of the investigation. The child and the mother were admitted to the Lompoc Hospital and are in stable condition. 

Second Riverbed Rescue in Lompoc

At 2:00 pm Monday, Lompoc Police Dispatch received a call regarding a reporting party who heard someone yelling for help. The Lompoc Police Department responded and met with the caller, who walked them to where the voices were heard.

Officers discovered three persons and a dog in the middle of the riverbed surrounded by water, approximately 40 yards from the west river’s edge, just east of Riverbend Park.

Lompoc Fire Personnel were summoned and determined this rescue required assistance from the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, Swift Water Rescue Team. The Swift Water Rescue Team arrived a while later and rescued one of the three people involved, as the other two wanted to remain there. Animal Control was also summoned by the Fire Personnel.     

Spring Street Fire Response

Santa Barbara City Firefighters responded to the intersection of Spring and De La Guerra Streets. 

It’s unclear where they were responding, possibly a residence, but water filled the street, submerged cars, and was well over waist high.

Video footage of a resident kayaking down the street made national news.

Downtown Vehicle Rescue

Twitter user @onsantabarbara shared a video of a driver being rescued from a flooded and trapped vehicle in Downtown Santa Barbara at the corner of Cota and Bath Streets.

Two Vehicles Stuck in Castillo Street Underpass

It’s unclear if a rescue was needed for the two vehicles submerged in water on the Castillo Street Underpass, but Scott Safechuck with the County Fire Department posted the below photos with the following message:

“If you do not have to drive, don’t! Please see SBC channel 20 for important info. See http://ReadySBC.org for emergency alerts, shelter in place/evacuation orders, info line, interactive map, and shelters.  The rain is not over! Pay attention to alerts and social media,” wrote Safechuck.

Edhat Staff

Written by Edhat Staff

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