Community members gathered Thursday evening at Montecito Union School to mark the seventh anniversary of the Montecito debris flows, which claimed the lives of 23 people and destroyed multiple homes.
With the anniversary coinciding with multiple wildfires raging in the Los Angeles area, the images of those blazes have brought back painful memories and sorrow for those experiencing the devastating impacts of the Palisades and Eaton fires.
“We pray for hope for them, for their safety, for perseverance, as we think about our own experience seven years ago,” the Rev. Channing Smith of All Saints-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church said. “We pray for their healing and for their quick recovery.”
The Jan. 9, 2018, debris flows resulted in multiple homes being ripped apart, followed by search and rescue efforts to save residents from the mud, boulders and debris. Rainstorms brought down debris from mountain areas devastated by the Thomas Fire.
More than 100 people gathered Thursday to remember the victims and take comfort with their neighbors and friends.
Rev. Smith welcomed the community and spoke about the efforts from first responders and volunteers seven years ago.
“Let us remember the helpers, those who helped us as we were helping others, and may our hearts remember the goodness that we saw in our community, and we pray for that same goodness just to the south of us,” he said. “May it lift us up tonight and inspire us to go forth and do likewise.”
Suzanne Grimmesey of the Santa Barbara County Behavioral Wellness Department spoke about how the anniversary can bring back painful memories, but it is also a sign of resilience in the community.
“Every year we gather not to mourn alone, but to honor, to honor the lives that we have lost, the love that we’ve shared and we do share together as a community, and the strength that binds us together,” Grimmesey said. “This community is truly nothing short of remarkable.”
Sheriff Bill Brown spoke about how the tragedy forever changed many families and Montecito. He also said the anniversary is a reminder of how the community came together.
“We went through a very dark time together,” Brown said. “As a result of that time, we emerged from it stronger and more united and more determined than ever to protect this very special place that we are privileged to call home.”
Montecito Fire Chief David Neels closed out the memorial by recognizing that the loss experienced seven years ago is still fresh for so many people.
“The hardships that we experienced on Jan. 9, 2018, were a turning point for many of us that have gathered here tonight,” Neels said. “Some of you still endure unimaginable loss of loved ones, the loss of your home, or even the ability to sleep well at night when raindrops fall upon your roofs.”
Neels then read the names of each of the 23 victims as firefighters placed a candle for each victim in front of Montecito Fire Engine 91. Following the name reading ceremony, the crowd held a moment of silence.
The crowd remained silent as a search light shot through the sky as a symbol of remembrance, remembrance for lives lost, community perseverance, and hope for those currently experiencing horrifying wildfires.
