Authorities have yet to release Tea Fire names
Sheriffs conclude investigation, District Attorney's office to take over
Kenny Lindberg
Issue date: 12/3/08 Section: News
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"No one has been arrested, no one has been taken into custody," said Drew Sugars, public information officer at the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's office.
Names of the nine individuals have yet to be released, since no charges have been filed.
Eric Hanson, chief assistant district attorney for Santa Barbara said Nov. 21 that his office has yet to receive any information from the Sheriff's department.
"We don't have any reports from the Fire or the Sheriff's office yet, so we aren't considering anything right now," Hanson said.
However, last Wednesday, Superintendent-President Andreea Serban released a statement indicating that the names of the suspects may be available shortly.
The Tea fire started Nov. 13, in the 700 block of East Mountain Drive, and burned 1,940 acres of land. The blaze also destroyed 210 homes, damaged nine, and cost approximately $5.7 million to contain.
There have been multiple injuries because of the fire, including severe burns. One death has been indirectly attributed to it.
Authorities believe that a bonfire caused the blaze, and investigators from multiple agencies are currently working on the case, according to Hanson.
Once the district attorney obtained reports from the investigators, they will assemble a team to determine if legal action will be taken.
In her statement last Wednesday, Serban distanced the college from the nine City College students connected to the fire.
"I would like to remind the campus community that this tragic incident and these allegations happened off campus and this is not an SBCC issue," she said.
The fire caused citywide electricity outages and forced City College to evacuate on Nov. 13.
Serban recommended that faculty, staff, and students who have a difficult time dealing with the aftermath, should contact counseling services for help.
"This is an emotionally intense situation for many people and for many reasons," Serban said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Lyell Holmes
posted 12/12/08 @ 10:00 PM PST
I saw the fire start from the wharf. I agree with alot of people that the students should do commuity service to help re-build the homes lost. Anyone should know that if you have a fire you should know how to put it out!( dirt, water, ect. (Continued…)
Student
posted 1/24/09 @ 12:29 AM PST
I don't understand why there is such an emphasis on where these kids go to school.
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