Explosions on July 4th

On July 4th, neighbors in the Butterfly Beach area reported several large explosions off the ledge on Channel Drive throughout the evening. Debris was reported to have fallen on the roofs and yards of property owners along
Channel Drive. 

After several calls to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office and officers apprehended a 17-year-old male. When contacted by the MJ, Raquel Zick, PIO for the office, confirmed that he was later released to a guardian and his information will be forwarded to Juvenile Probation Services. 

Neighbors report that this is a year-round nuisance and not just an annual occurrence. 

Lake Fire Continues

The “Lake Fire,” which began as a reported vegetation fire near Zaca Lake on Friday, July 5, is currently at 28,987 acres and 16% contained as last reported on July 10 at 7:09 am on Cal Fire’s website (www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2024/7/5/lake-fire).

Montecito Fire PIO, Christina Atchinson, adds, “Montecito Fire Department is supporting our local fire partners at the Lake Fire with our Type 6 engine, staffed with two firefighters. Plus, two of our paramedics are assisting as fireline paramedics and one of our firefighters is helping with radio communications at the fire. Our fire stations in Montecito remain fully staffed and prepared to respond to any incidents in our community.

“Montecito residents may notice smoke from the Lake Fire but rest assured that the fire is a considerable distance away from our community. This is a reminder that fire season has begun in our region and we all need to be vigilant. It is an excellent time to review your emergency plans, refresh disaster kits and consider at least two routes to evacuate, keeping the ongoing roadwork in mind.”