Oak Tree Falls Across Paradise Road, Neighbors and Firefighters Respond

By Amy Katz ©

Part of a giant Oak tree fell across Paradise Road, at the Los Prietos Campground entrance, in Santa Barbara County, in the Los Padres National Forest area Saturday night, Oct 22, 2022, at 11:00 pm PST.

The downed tree fell on a car — the driver was able to disentangle and drove off quickly without a bumper. The caused a roadblock and posed a danger to cars traveling in both directions.

Three brave women, including Karen Fox, came out of their forest service cabins to see what had caused the crashing sound, and then spent an hour directing traffic in the cool, pitch black of night, with their flashlights, until the Santa Barbara County Fire Department arrived.

The Firefighters used chain saws to clear the limbs and debris. Paradise Road is now open and clear.