Edhat Staff
On Thursday morning, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department Battalion Chief Rob Hazard gave an update of incoming weather and preparedness with firefighters from the Regional Task Force outside the County Fire Department Headquarters.
Rain is expected to move into the area on Thursday afternoon along with the possibility of mudflow for the recent wildfire burn areas.
County Fire Department Increases Staff Ahead of Storm
The National Weather Service (NWS) predicts that a storm arriving Thursday night and continuing through Friday could have rainfall in the range of 1/3 to 2/3 of an inch per hour. The NWS informed the County that moderate to heavy rainfall rates early Friday may be enough to generate isolated mud and debris flows near burn areas. The communities near and below the Thomas, Sherpa and Whittier burn areas are strongly recommended to relocate to safer locations for their own safety. High risk for loss of life and property exists.
Increased Staffing Duration: From 8am Thursday, March 1, 2018 to 8am Friday, March 2, 2018
In response to the predicted flooding and debris flow danger, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, along with other operational area fire departments, including Santa Barbara, Montecito, Carpinteria/Summerland, Santa Maria, Lompoc and Vandenberg AFB will increase their staffing levels. The increased staffing level will add additional fire engines, bulldozers, excavators, helicopters, hand crews, an urban search and rescue team and a swift water rescue team. These additional resources will be available to respond throughout the Santa Barbara County operational area.
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It is critical that people in Santa Barbara County register to receive emergency alerts. Sign up for Aware and Prepare emergency alerts at www.ReadySBC.org. If we can’t reach you, we can’t alert you.
