Tea Fire Sparked 13 Years Ago

Source: Montecito Fire Protection District

On this day in 2008, a wildfire started near a Montecito property known as the Tea Gardens. 

The Tea Fire was first reported at about 5:45 p.m. Strong sundowner winds with gusts up to 85 mph reignited smoldering embers of an illegal bonfire from the night before. 

The fire grew rapidly, prompting the evacuation of 15,000 residents in Montecito & eastern Santa Barbara. A total of 210 homes were lost in the fire and nearly 2,000 acres burned. 

We are currently in our fall sundowner season and our vegetation is critically dry. As we reflect on the tragedies of the Tea Fire, we ask that you please consider your wildfire action plan.

To review Ready! Set! Go! & fire prevention resources, visit https://montecitofire.com/fire-prevention.