Update: Santa Barbara County Cancels Evacuation Warning and Shelter in Place Orders for Recent Burn Scar Areas

Update by the edhat staff
October 14, 2025

As of 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 14, the County of Santa Barbara issued a notice that all evacuation warnings and shelter in place orders have been cancelled.

— Original Post —

Evacuation Warning Issued for Burn Scar Areas in Santa Barbara County Ahead of Rainstorm

By the County of Santa Barbara
October 13, 2025

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office has issued an EVACUATION WARNING for the areas in and below the Gifford and Lake Fire Burn Scars due to potential flooding and debris flow, until further notice. If you feel threatened, leave before the rain begins.

A map of the impacted areas can be found here: www.ReadySBC.org/emergency.   

 Residents in these areas should: 

• LEAVE NOW if you feel unsafe.  
• BE READY to sustain yourself and your household for multiple days in the event of flooding and debris flows.  

People with disabilities, access and functional needs should leave now. People with large animals should leave now. 

If you need sheltering assistance, call the American Red Cross hotline at (805) 678-3073.

DO NOT attempt to drive while it is dark or raining, as roads may be damaged or your car may be swept away by moving water or debris.  

BE PREPARED to shelter in place should the National Weather Service issue a flash flood warning or in the event flooding or debris flows occur. Residents are advised to stay inside and go to the innermost room in your home or to higher ground such as the second floor. DO NOT attempt to leave.  

Help keep the emergency lines open. Do not call 911 unless you are having an emergency. 

Residents throughout Santa Barbara County should remain vigilant as this storm will pass through the entire county. Here are some precautions for all community members to take:

• Stay away from rivers, creeks, streams, recent wildfire burn areas, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Those living in areas prone to flooding and recent burn areas should stay aware of changing conditions and be prepared to take protective actions, such as going to the innermost room of your home or to higher ground such as a second floor.
• In the event of a Flash Flood Warning, move to high ground immediately.
• In the event of a Tornado Warning, quickly move to an innermost room on the bottom floor and stay away from windows.
• Roads along recent wildfire burn areas, including Highway 166, and those roads impacted during previous storms may experience flooding, mud and rockslides. Communities along these roads may become isolated.
• Beaches, bluffs and the Harbor area may be impacted. This storm may trigger erosion along the bluffs throughout the county, including Isla Vista. Residents and visitors are advised to stay away from beach areas.
• Strong winds can cause power outages. Charge important electronic devices and be prepared in case an unexpected power outage occurs.
• Secure belongings that could get impacted by strong winds such as umbrellas, sports equipment, and outdoor furniture. 
• Take care of those who might not be aware of the weather hazard or be able to react accordingly – especially the elderly, young children, and pets.
• Find detailed weather forecasts at https://www.weather.gov/lox/.

REGISTER TO RECEIVE ReadySBC ALERTS: If you haven’t registered for emergency alerts, register now at ReadySBC.org. Receive local emergency alerts via text, phone call, and email.