The governor has declared a state of emergency for Santa Barbara County, to help get some financial assistance for recovery efforts from last year’s Alisal wildfire.
The move allows Caltrans to request funding from the federal government for highway repairs, and flood control work related to the blaze on the Gaviota Coast.
The 17,000 acre fire started last October, closing Highway 101 for days. It destroyed 12 homes. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The Governor’s disaster declaration also makes it easier for those impacted by the Alisal Fire to access unemployment benefits. The governor issued a similar declaration for Monterey County, which was hit by what was called the Colorado Fire.
