Fire investigators have asked the public to help identify a trio of people at the scene of a late 2024 blaze at a former restaurant building in Solvang.

Firefighters from the Santa Barbara County Fire Department responded late Dec. 5, 2024 to the former Sear Steakhouse, 478 Fourth St., in Solvang. 

On Monday, the department’s Fire Investigation Unit asked for the public’s assistance in identifying three people suspected of intentionally starting the fire. 

“Following a thorough investigation, fire investigators determined that the fire was intentionally set by a group of three unidentified juveniles or young adults who are believed to be local to the Santa Ynez Valley,” County Fire Capt. Mike Gray said.

The individuals were seen leaving the building approximately 15 minutes before the fire was first observed, Gray added.

They returned to a parking lot across the street where they were observed on security cameras watching the fire, Gray said.

On Monday, firefighters released a surveillance video of the individuals walking away from the scene and a photo of them observing the firefighting activity. 

Anyone who recognizes the individuals pictured or has other information is urged to contact investigators by calling the county agency’s Fire Investigation Unit at 805.686.5074.