Edhat Staff
Update by edhat staff
2:00 p.m., October 25, 2021
The Shelter in Place Order and Evacuation Order for the Alisal fire burn area was cancelled after the storm passed through the county.
Refugio Road remains open to residents only.
Update by edhat staff
9:00 a.m., October 25, 2021
A Shelter in Place Order has been issued due to the potential for life-threatening flooding and debris flows in the Alisal Fire burn area.
Residents are advised to stay inside until further notice, go to the innermost room in their home or to higher ground such as a second-floor
At 8:25 a.m., the National Weather Service (NWS) reported Refugio Pass indicated 0.91 inches per hour rainfall rate as heavy rain moves into the Alisal burn scar. Additionally, NWS predicts Flash Flooding with mud and debris flows in the burn scar.
The Flash Flood Warning including Tajiguas is in effect until 11:15 AM Monday.
Evacuation Warning Upgraded to Evacuation Order for Parts of the Alisal Fire Burn Area
Update by Office of Emergency Management
7:30 p.m., October 23, 2021
For animal evacuation assistance, call the Animal Services Hotline at (805) 681-4332. After normal business hours, call the Sheriff’s non-emergency dispatch line at
(805) 683-2724 and ask to speak with on-call Animal Control Officer.
Update by edhat staff
6:00 p.m., October 22, 2021
An evacuation warning has been issued due to the incoming rainstorm headed for Santa Barbara County on Sunday with the potential to produce a debris flow near the Alisal fire burn areas.
The warning is effective starting today, October 22, at 6:00 p.m. and applies to the following area(s): west of Las Flores Canyon, east of Mariposa Reina, south of West Camino Cielo, and down to the ocean.
Officials encourage residents to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice, remain alert and prepare family members, pets, and essential items. If you feel threatened at any time, leave immediately. Do not wait for an alert to evacuate. People with disabilities, access and functional needs should leave now. People with large animals should leave now, the evacuation warning states.
Additionally, it’s being advised that residents should not drive on Refugio Road during the storm due to possible flooding and debris flows.
Santa Barbara County, in partnership with the National Weather Service, is closely monitoring the incoming storm. County officials are working closely with the United States Forest Service Burn Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team, the CAL Fire Watershed Emergency Response Team (WERT), and local agencies to further assess the potential risks for debris flows.
Sign up for alerts at readysbc.org/alisalfire
Sand Bag Information
Three self-service sandbag stations are open during daylight hours in Goleta. They are located at:
- Fire Station 11 (6901 Frey Way and Storke Road just south of Santa Felicia, across from the main post office)
- Fire Station 14 (320 Los Carneros Road next to the Stow House Museum lot)
- Goleta Valley Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue)
Bags and sand are available to residents and are limited to 20 bags per household. Please take only what you need. Bring a tarp or towels to protect the inside of your vehicle during transport. DO NOT use empty sand bags to line your car.
Rain Headed to Santa Barbara County Causes Concern
By edhat staff
7:00 a.m., October 22, 2021
A rainstorm headed for Santa Barbara County this weekend causes concern for the Alisal Fire burn scar.
The National Weather Service predicts the storm to land later Sunday through Monday with a chance of moderate to heavy rain, especially for San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties.
This includes the recently burned canyons within the Alisal fire area.
There’s a potential for one to three inches of rain as well as gusty winds, high surf, and possible debris flows in recent burn areas, the National Weather Service states.
Santa Barbara County officials are working closely with the United States Forest Service Burn Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team, the CAL Fire Watershed Emergency Response Team (WERT), and local agencies to identify the potential risks for debris flows.
“Residents are encouraged to prepare for potential storm impacts. Do not wait for officials, if at any time you feel unsafe, you should voluntarily leave the area,” the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) states.
OEM has published “10 Steps to Protect Yourself Now” from the storm that can be read here.
