JESUSITA FIRE
SANTA BARBARA IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS! We are pleased to let you know that Santa Barbara is indeed open for business, and that the Jesusita Fire inflicted minimal damage to our visitor infrastructure. It is safe to travel here, air quality is back to normal and the Santa Barbara you know and love is ready and waiting for you to enjoy. We are grateful to the California firefighters and local emergency personnel who worked so hard to contain this fire and keep our area safe for residents and visitors. The generosity and cooperation displayed by our entire community during this crisis was incredible and is a testament to what a truly special place Santa Barbara is. We are saddened to report that our magnificent Botanic Garden sustained damage but, fortunately, much of the garden remains intact including the beautiful Meadow, most of the Desert and Redwood Exhibits, the Discovery Garden, Teahouse and Manzanita Exhibit. The Botanic Garden is open. Some Los Padres National Forest lands are currently closed for safety reasons in the front country above Montecito, Santa Barbara and Goleta. For avid hikers, the vast back country trail network is ripe for adventure. All other businesses and public spaces are open and unharmed. So, check your calendar, book your hotel room and come visit us soon. Our community welcomes you with open arms and clear skies. Thank you for your concern and support. Sincerely, The Santa Barbara Conference & Visitors Bureau and Film Commission General Information (As of May 18, 1:00pm) The Jesusita Fire broke out at approximately 1:45pm Tuesday, May 5th in the Cathedral Peak area. 8,733 acres were burned in the Santa Barbara foothills and canyons between Goleta and Montecito. 80 homes and 79 outbuildings were destroyed.
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