More than 45 people evacuated due to cliff erosion in Isla Vista Tuesday morning
ISLA VISTA, Calif. – There was an evacuation in the 6700 block of Del Playa in Isla Vista due to bluff erosion Tuesday morning.
According to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, more than 45 people and at least four apartment units were evacuated Tuesday morning due to the erosion.
Multiple agencies will be collaborating evaluations of the cliffside to determine if more buildings will need to also be evacuated detail Santa Barbara County Fire Department.
6700 Block of Del Playa, Isla Vista: Santa Barbara County Fire Department drone operations: Filmed by drone pilots Engineer Bonillo and Engineer LeFebre. pic.twitter.com/sbMldQ6cjB
— Scott Safechuck (@SBCFireInfo) February 6, 2024
County Supervisor Capps released the following statement regarding the ongoing incident in Isla Vista:
"The storms underscore the pressing need for bluff and cliff safety, as seen by a bluff-facing balcony collapse at a private property in Isla Vista this morning. Thankfully no injuries have been reported and we are working with our public safety officials to evacuate the surrounding area. I am committed to do everything we can to keep our community safe, including constructing higher, durable fences along bluff properties in Isla Vista and educating students about the inherent dangers. While the heaviest of the rains is behind us, please remain exceedingly vigilant as bluff erosion continues to be a real threat."
As of 3:39 p.m. Tuesday, the County of Santa Barbara Planning and Building determined residents could return to their homes and an exclusion fence was installed to limit access to the patio adjacent to the cliffs detail
