Fire At Former Solvang Restaurant Determined To Be Arson

SOLVANG, Calif. (KEYT) - Fire investigators just determined that arson destroyed a former Solvang restaurant a year and half ago.

Investigators are looking for three people who are believed to be locals.

Officials at the Santa Barbara County Fire Department believe those three individuals are from the Santa Ynez Valley and they appear to be young.

Investigators have determined three individuals appearing in surveillance footage the night of December 5th, 2024 purposely set fire to what used to be Sear Steakhouse on Fourth Place.

“Every investigation runs at its own pace,” says Captain Michael Gray, public information officer for the Santa Barbara County Fire Department. “They're all unique. The fire investigation section, they release as much information as they can as quickly as they can.”

Images show them leaving the building fifteen minutes prior to the start of the fire.

“They could be juveniles or young adults,” says Capt. Gray. “That wasn't completely clear as far as nailing down an age group.”

They are then seen crossing the street and joining spectators to watch the blaze.

Since the incident, the building has had to be completely brought down for safety reasons.

“That would have been something that would have been determined by Building and Safety, if it was determined that the building couldn't be salvaged,” says Capt. Gray.

Officials say the Solvang City Council is currently looking at the possibility of purchasing the lot with the intention of expanding Parking Lot 3.

“Through the course of the investigation, it is believed that they are local to the Santa Ynez Valley,” says Capt. Gray.

The county fire department released the declaration of arson on Monday.

“The fire investigation section has been unable to identify these three individuals,” says Capt. Gray. “So now we are asking for the public's assistance.”

Anyone who recognizes the three or has any other information is encouraged to contact investigators.

The department’s Fire Investigation Unit can be reached at (805)686-5074 or by email at fireinfo@sbcfire.com.

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With The Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.