Tuesday marked the six-year anniversary of the massive debris flow that crashed through Montecito in the middle of the night, destroying everything in its path and claiming the lives of 23 people.

The Jan. 9, 2018, debris flow 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.

On Tuesday, community members and the Montecito Fire Protection District gathered at Montecito Union School to remember the 23 victims.

“In the face of almost unimaginable adversity, our community came together with unwavering support, compassion, and a collective determination to heal and rebuild,” Montecito Union School Superintendent Anthony Ranii said on Tuesday. “Tonight, we both honor the memory of those we lost and we celebrate the resilience that binds us as one community.”

The ceremony included a reading of the victims’ names, bell ringing from local churches and schools, a candle lighting, a moment of silence, and a search light shot through the sky as a beacon of community support. 

In addition to Ranii, speakers included Montecito Fire Chief David Neels; Suzanne Grimmesey, chief of strategy and community engagement with Santa Barbara County; and First District Supervisor Das Williams.

Neels read out loud the names of the 23 victims as firefighters carried a candle and rang a bell for each and every name.

Grimmesey spoke to remind the community that while the anniversary is a reminder of a time the community came together, it also brings difficult memories.

“We reflect on our journey of feeling; some feeling further along in their recovery, others may still feel broken,” Grimmesey said. “On the anniversary of a traumatic event, it’s not uncommon to experience feelings similar to those felt at the time of the event itself.”

Grimmesey reminded the crowd to be kind to themselves and others, to honor their feelings and experiences, and to reach out for support. 

Following the name reading ceremony, the crowd held a moment of silence to honor and remember those who lost their lives. Afterward, MSU lit up the beam, and the crowd stayed silent for a moment, watching the light reach into the sky.