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Fire Near Westmont College: UPDATE November 13, 2008 UPDATED 2:20 p.m., November 14, 2008 There is an immediate need for temporary housing between Carpinteria and Goleta for displaced Westmont students and faculty. Members of the APU community that can help should email westmonthousinghelp@gmail.com. This account is being checked regularly. UPDATED 9:20 a.m., November 14, 2008 This morning we are thankful that though Westmont’s campus sustained significant damage, with the loss of 7 buildings and 12 faculty residences, no lives were lost. The fire has moved westward, away from the college, and winds have diminished. As a community of believers, united in shared mission, we covet your prayers for our Westmont colleagues. Watch for updates about how to assist our friends with their most pressing needs. The following appeared on the Westmont website at 7:21 a.m.: “No fires remain active on or in the campus area.” For news updates and information, go to the following sites: UPDATED 11 p.m., November 13, 2008 Here is the most recent update from Westmont's website: "Conditions on campus improved to the point where staff were able to get food from the Dining Commons and bring it to the gym, where the community is sheltered in place. "Conditions in the area may make it possible now to leave the campus for a Red Cross shelter, but that option is still being explored. Firefighters are currently attempting to put out several fires at Clark Hall. Structures lost to or significantly damaged by fire include the Physics Building, the 'old Math" building, Bauder Hall and the Quonset Huts. "Again, we are grateful that no one has been hurt on campus, and everyone is safely in the gymnasium and in good spirits." ---
Known as the Tea Fire, the blaze continues to burn in the hills of the Montecito community. According to KCAL 9, water dropping helicopters are on their way to the site. At this point, the number of acres burned is unknown, but well in the hundreds. At least 20 homes have burned. No injuries reported thus far. Updates are being posted on Westmont's student newspaper blog and the Santa Barbara Independent website. Here is the most recent update from the college's website: "At 9 p.m., an update was given to everyone sheltered in place in the gymnasium. There is no threat to the gym and air quality is improving there. Those sheltered in place seem to be doing well under the circumstances, and are now watching a movie. To our knowledge, no one has been injured on campus. The fire has damaged several minor buildings." Continue to pray for the Westmont community, area residents, and those working throughout the night to fight this fire. --- UPDATED 8:07 p.m., November 13, 2008 According to the Westmont College website (www.westmont.edu): "To the best of our knowledge, everyone has been evacuated to the gymnasium, in accordance with the shelter in place plan approved by fire officials. Fire fighters are on campus. Please call the emergency hotline number at 1-888-565-7911 for updates." --- Posted 7:35 p.m., November 13, 2008 A fire in the hills of Santa Barbara is burning near Westmont College. Information is limited at this time. The university asks you to pray for the safety of Westmont's students, faculty, and staff. More information wil be posted as it is known. Additional Resources: Monticito Fire Department: http://www.montecitofire.com/ KEYT 3 Santa Barbara: http://www.keyt.com/news/local/34435624.html Monticeto Fire Area: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=106212521568035882004.00045b9e3035d0d10c209 Map of the Area: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=westmont%20college&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl |
