After 24terrible hours of checking every possible news source and hotline, my fears about the Tea Fire were confirmed on November 14, and I flew home to see the damage firsthand and to help my parents salvage what little remained of our home. As soon as the Tea Garden was verified as the point of origin, I knew the fire was human-caused. Having lived my entire life below this beautiful spot, I knew very well its appeal to trespassers. As I sifted through ashes, I promised myself that I would forgive in my heart whoever caused this disaster.

Sure enough, the identities of the culprits came to light (not of their own volition, mind you). Ten college students had held a bonfire. But I was more horrified to learn that the legal authorities were debating whether or not to identify them publicly. Some sympathizers pleaded, “They already feel guilty enough” or “We didn’t teach them well.” Still others satirized the situation, one individual writing, “I need to be able to talk about something to my friends and family on how bad these kids are, as my life is so boring.” I am dumbfounded by these reactions, not as a victim looking for revenge, but as a member of a community that faces the very real danger of fire every year. And, as a college student, I am insulted that one’s student status somehow precludes the capacity for common sense and garners such unwarranted sympathy.

Were these “kids” unaware that this is high fire season? Did they miss the multiple “No Trespassing” signs? Did that parched hillside somehow appear more lush than usual? No, these adults acted selfishly, enjoying the view of a lovely city while feeling no responsibility for the safety and security of their fellow community members residing below. We cannot ignore such blatant recklessness. Do not fool yourself into thinking you “take the high road” by turning the other cheek. Such apathy (or naiveté) parading as forgiveness will not help our community to heal. The city’s Fire Department, Police Department, Red Cross, Animal Hotline, and the community at large have helped us make great strides thus far. But it is important that the District Attorney does not shirk its own duty—albeit less palatable. It must prosecute appropriately the ten implicated in this fire. Those responsible for the Zaca Fire, as accidental and work-related as their involvement was, had their names published and faced legal repercussions. But this! This was a far more unforgivable transgression. Those responsible for the Tea Fire consciously ignored all obvious and serious warning signs; like drunk drivers, they took a calculated risk. They were breaking the law long before the fire took the first home.

For the community to move forward successfully, we must see preventative measures being taken against future fires. No one wants to witness a repeat of this horror because some other “kids” remember, in November 2008, ten students started the Tea Fire and got away with a slap on the wrist. Next time more than one life could be lost. Please, Santa Barbara, the most recent flames have been quenched, but fire remains one of the greatest threats to our community. We cannot tolerate the selfish behavior of those who don’t internalize this risk and act responsibly. Encourage our District Attorney to set the proper precedent. It would be reckless not to. -Katie Kinnear

Comments

Discussion Guidelines

Local Weather

Currently:
Mist
Temperature:
59.0°
Wind:
6 SE

Surf Report