Close Call

So the fires that started in Santa Barbara last Thursday are pretty much out now! An area that was hit very hard was Westmont College's Campus, which happens to be where Kyle and I got married almost a year ago. Initial reports were that the cutest little white chapel ever (where our wedding was held) was lost in the fire. This was assumed until people were able to get on campus and survey the damage b/c everything leading to it on all sides was burned. We later heard it was spared :) Our friend that took these pictures said it was amazing to see. The fire literally came right up to the white picket fence on all sides on the chapel and stopped.

The fire came right up to the front door!

You can see the fire came right up next to the white picket fence that surrounds the chapel.

Below are the formal gardens that lead up to the chapel

Here We Go Again

Santa Barbara has been struck by yet another round of wildfires. In early July we had the GAP fire which burned large portions of the hills above Goleta (about 10 minutes north of here) now we have the Tea Fire which started in the hills above Montecito (about 10 minutes south of here) and has spread to a large portion of the hills the run parallel to the city. Below are some pictures taken on Westmont College's Campus last night as well as a map showing current fire locations and evacuation orders. You can see evacuation orders have come right up to the edge of the city. While Kyle and I are safe and sound (we're located right by the red cross of the map below that is closest to the 101 freeway) many of our friends have been evacuated and at least one family we know has lost their home. This fire started last night around 6pm and quickly grew! More strong winds are expected tonight and into the weekend. Please pray for the people of Santa Barbara.