Edhat Staff
A woman was cited early Friday morning for starting a warming fire on Carrillo Hill in Santa Barbara.
While driving on Carrillo towards Cliff Drive, witness Claire Overnack spotted the woman fanning the flames of a fire near trees on the right side of the hill.
Overnack stated she got out of the car to take photos for law enforcement when the woman charged at her, yelling and screaming. Overnack called 9-1-1 to report the incident and on her return trip saw firefighters and police on the scene speaking to the woman.
Santa Barbara Police Sgt. Ethan Ragsdale confirmed a small vegetation fire was reported to dispatch center at 6:14 a.m. on October 20, 2023, near the intersection of West Carrillo Street and Chino Street. Santa Barbara City Fire Department and Santa Barbara police officers were dispatched to the area to investigate.
“During the investigation, it was determined that a small warming fire had been set and was already extinguished by the time first responders arrived,” said Sgt. Ragsdale to edhat.
The woman believed to be responsible for the fire was identified as 46-year-old Bonnie Mae Delavega. A citation was issued for misdemeanor arson.
This woman clearly needs help AND we shouldn’t be so light on arson crimes. The is near a densely populated area. Numerous people could have been killed or worse.
Ok so this person is a human being trying to stay warm the fire is like 2 inches big she is an adult and cold it’s a moist foggy night. I feel like you all are totally going bonkers she looks to be tending the 2 inch fire just fine and I think an adult should be able to make fire when ever they want especially if they need to be warm or have to cook or just to have a fire and put it out when done 🙂 this is crazy talk saying she could have killed hundreds of people lol blowing it way out of proportion and creating drama all over something that is given to us from our creator to help us survive stay warm cook food and respect …… I’m all for it and I think if she was left alone and people minded there own business she would have put the fire out responsibly and been on her way once she had warmed up 🙂
Was it really a “warming fire?” I mean, yeah the photo shows her maybe warming her hands, but seems this was more of a mental health issue than a survival issue. If so, I hope she gets the help she needs. Must be tough.
Seems staged Bruh.
Thank you, Claire.
Often they are not even cited.
Anyone starting a fire where fires are not permitted (pretty much everywhere) should be locked up. Sounds harsh, but the consequences of a wildfire are dire.
Not really know how it works. they get to do what they like because the system really can not control the aire-libre folks. some serious propertuy damage or physical hell must occur before removal.
Good thing you’re an early bird Claire!!!