- Home
- News Grid
- Local News
- Green Hawk
- Politics
- School Zone
- Youth Camps
- Nonprofits
- Missing Pets
- Multimedia
- Arts
- Movies
- Outdoors
- Sports
- News Releases
- Columnists
- Blogs
- Opinions
- Classifieds
- Advertise
- Donate
- Partners
Tea Fire Burn Victims Still Critical But Expected to Survive
The conditions of a Santa Barbara couple who were severely burned in the Tea Fire improved somewhat Monday. It appears they will survive, but they are still unconscious and on life support, a family member said Monday.

Jim Mills, Lance’s grandfather, said their body temperatures — which rose dangerously as a result of their burns — went down Monday, and their swelling improved. Doctors on Monday also were able to put to rest two major concerns about Lance: that his eyes were burned, and that the fire had damaged his lungs.
“They are still in critical condition, but also stable — that’s the best we can do for now,” said Mills, a former firefighter for the city and county of Santa Barbara.
Mills said the family isn’t sure exactly what happened to the couple, because they have been unconscious under sedation since their rescue.
The incident occurred Thursday evening, shortly after the fast-moving fire broke out on East Mountain Drive above Montecito’s Cold Spring neighborhood.
The couple apparently were running to their car from their cottage when they were overtaken by a flash fire, Mills said.
Coincidentally, that was the station where Mills took his first firefighting job, 58 years ago. On Monday, Mills contacted the station, and talked to a man who helped the couple that day.
“He said Lance was talking coherently, but was in pain,” Mills said.
From the station, they were transported by ambulance to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, and later were flown by helicopter to Irvine.
Twenty-two percent of Lance’s body was burned, and 9 percent of it was covered in third-degree burns, Mills said. About 30 percent of Carla’s body was burned, though she had fewer third-degree burns, he said. Mills, who went to see them in Irvine over the weekend, said Lance appeared worse off than Carla, largely because of the major burns on his head.
Mills said he’s seen a lot of people in car wrecks, fires and other accidents, but “I’ve never seen anybody looking as bad as my grandson.
“Don’t live in brush country, man.”
Those interested in helping can send a donation to:
The Lance and Carla Burn Fund
Santa Barbara Bank and Trust
1483 East Valley Road
Montecito, CA 93108-1248
Write to rkuznia@noozhawk.com
Comments
Noozhawk's comments are moderated, but by posting here you accept your responsibility to follow our rules.
- No abusive, defamatory or libelous attacks. In plain English: No personal attacks.
- No vulgar or discriminatory language.
- If you do not follow these rules, don't be surprised if your comment is removed.
- Please use the Report Abuse button on offensive comments.
- Share what you know, ask about what you don't. Give us your eyewitness accounts, observations, background and history. Tell us what else you want to know about the story.
- Stay on the topic, PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK, and forgive people their spelling errors.
Noozhawk's intent is not to limit the discussion of our stories but to elevate it. Thank you for your respectful participation. Click here for our complete Terms of Use.
Comments are moderated, and will not appear until they've been approved.
» on 11.19.08 @ 03:36 AM
I made a contribution to the burn fund in light of this article. Thank you guys for doing such a great job covering this tragedy. You done an incredible job covering all aspects of this situation and how people can help!
Thank you
» on 11.20.08 @ 07:05 PM
Does anyone know the status of these people’s cats? I know they had at least two.
More Local News »
Residents Get Look at Master Plan for Santa Barbara
An open house kicks off a public-comment period designed to help shape the future of the city
Ninth Circuit Court to Rehear Goleta Rent-Control Case
The appeal on 'regulatory taking' could determine the constitutionality of the city's ordinance
Bob Wilcher: Guaranteed Weight Loss
Eat 500 fewer calories and exercise for one hour each day and enjoy the results
Santa Barbara Developer Fess Parker Dies at Age 85
The local actor was also the namesake of Fess Parker DoubleTree Resort and Fess Parker Winery
Santa Barbara’s Water Has a Rich History, a Complex Future
Despite modern science and technology, basic challenges of delivery and storage transcend eras
Weather: Fog 54.0º
Search Noozhawk »


