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MyspaceThe Santa Barbara County Fire Department has completed its investigation of the Jesusita Fire. The end result, which was briefly summarized in a press release sent out to area media on Friday, September 4, noted that investigators had confirmed what they initially suspected: The blaze did, in fact, ignite at or near the place where workers had been clearing vegetation along the Jesusita Trail. County Fire spokesperson Capt. Dave Sadecki said photographs and witness observations helped the investigators arrive at this conclusion.
One thing the fire investigators’ report does not do, however, is assign blame to any party. That responsibility belongs to the District Attorney’s office, which received the Jesusita Fire report on September 3.
Sadecki said he was not able to discuss whether the report noted anyone in particular whom the investigators suspect of having started the fire.
The summary of the report also cited basic statistics about the fire. According to the document, Jesusita started at 1:40 p.m. on May 5 and was controlled on May 20 at 6 p.m. The fire burned 8,733 acres, destroyed 80 homes, and prompted 5,894 properties and 14,735 people to be put under mandatory evacuation notice. The height of the fight against the Jesusita Fire saw the involvement of 4,543 firefighters, 529 fire engines, 109 crews, 11 air tankers, and 15 helicopters. The fight resulted in 32 firefighter injuries. In all, the Jesusita Fire cost $19.5 million.
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I personally feel that the trails should remain single tracks. Widening of the trails by do-gooders over the years has lead to this type of situation, and having places like rattlesnake become far too wide, with sawing and removing sandstone rock obstructions from the creek beds. All in a designated wilderness area.
In the last few years, almost all of the big fires were human caused, seemingly most of our L.P. in Southern California.
easternpacific (anonymous profile)
September 5, 2009 at 8:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Outrageous.
I bet they would have figured out who started this fire had if one of those Ventura firemen that were injured at my house had died. Thank you guys so much, I know guys tried; what happened up there was horrific, I'm sure.
As a former Mission Canyon resident, I have been utterly disappointed by the Fire and Police response and follow up to this situation. To block access to the canyon; before the evacuation was called, not even allowing us to retrieve anything including our pets and loved ones was ridiculous.
They let that fire burn for 24 hours before it exploded, due to the expected sundowners. I'd like to know why.
I'd also like to know why the press (Ray Ford) was allowed to report from my driveway for hours and I had to let EVERYTHING I OWNED BURN TO THE GROUND.
I would also like to know why KEYT reported recently that there was a "conflict of interest" in the investigation. This has not been addressed further, as far as I know. What could that have possible mean? Conspiracy theories come to mind...
Outrageous
1495TunnelRd (anonymous profile)
September 5, 2009 at 11:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Due to my lack of experiencing such a horror, losing everything including my precious critters, wildlife and familiar surroundings I can only try to fully comprehend the grief and disconcertion as explained by 1495Tunnel Rd. I hope these answers come quickly for all those grieving.
DonMcDermott (anonymous profile)
September 5, 2009 at 10:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Tragic. Unbelievably tragic. One's heart aches for 1495 Tunnel Road, and for Mr. McDermott ,who along with losing his home, lost those precious ones with whom he started his days and who meant everything to him. Shame on those who cannot see beyond what this "conflict of interest" may be.
samuel (anonymous profile)
September 6, 2009 at 11:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Amazing people doing impossible work.
In any disaster there will always be accusations and questions. I support a clear and open investigation that allows anyone to voice their opinion.
Even so, given a look at how other countries handle their disasters and disaster preparation, I am grateful for the stories we do not see written here, such as the whole town burns down, there is no fire department, no planes to dump water, and so on. I am thankful that our elected and appointed officials are committed to people and property as in too few other countries.
My condolences to the injured. I hope they receive the same good treatment given the veterans.
Bird (anonymous profile)
September 7, 2009 at 12:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
There were 4,000+ acres of US Forestry destroyed! There were 78 houses destroyed! There were 30,000 local residents who were evacuated under mandatory orders! Cause of that fire = Two 'well meaning' (sic.) environmentalists were (self appointed) on clearing hiking trails with illegal [kerosene powered] weed whackers! SOUNDS LIKE MULTIPLE FELONIES TO ME - especially since US FEMA provided NO funds - 'this was not an Act of God'! Well - CERTAINLY NOT!!!! SO where's the presumption of guilt in this case, Ms. DA?
gogosian2010 (anonymous profile)
September 9, 2009 at 10:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)