Review of fire evacuation plan to take place

Funding from a federal grant will pay for a consultant to study many aspects of wildland fire evacuations in Santa Barbara.

This is part of an ongoing effort to improve safety for the public and first responders in emergencies.

The study will look at evacuation procedures, safety zones and escape routes.

Santa Barbara has had many catastrophic fires in the past, resulting in the loss of lives, homes, and businesses.

This weekend marks the anniversary of the 2009 Jesusita Fire, where 88 homes and nearly 9000 acres were destroyed in and around Santa Barbara. In that disaster more than 30,000 residents were told to evacuate.