Red Cross evacuation shelter set up at San Marcos High School

The Red Cross is using San Marcos High School at 4750 Hollister Ave. in Santa Barbara as an evacuation center for people fleeing the Whittier Fire in the Santa Ynez Valley.

Our crew was not allowed inside the area, for privacy reasons.

Kimberly Coley, Executive Director of the Pacific Coast and Ventura County Chapters, said cots were set up, dinner had been ordered and there is plenty of food and water for those coming to rest or spend the night.

The Red Cross and volunteers also have activities for the children sheltering there and are working with Red Cross nurses to get medicine for people who had to leave theirs behind while evacuating the campgrounds.

By late Saturday afternoon, Coley said more than 40 people had signed in.

“There’s a lot of children in there right now,” Coley said. “A little bit antsy, kind of scared about what’s going on so we have teddy bears, little items that make them feel more at ease.”

Coley said the San Marcos High School evacuation center will remain open, possibly for days, or as long as needed for the evacuees.

Coley said if people want to help, the best way to do so is to make a donation to redcross.org.