A new Mandatory Evacuation Order took effect for a big part of Montecito Thursday night. Santa Barbara county officials say they expanded mandatory evacuations because too many members of the public were on streets, making access difficult for search and rescue teams, as well as utility and road repair crews.
The area is west of Sheffield Drive/East Valley Road/Ladera Lane, east of Olive Mill/Hot Spring Road, north of the ocean, and south of the U.S. Forest Service boundary.
The previous Public Safety Exclusion Zone is now part of the Mandatory Evacuation Order area. People will not be allowed to return, and it may take one to two weeks before evacuations are lifted. Coast Village Rd. between Olive Mill and Hot Springs will also remain closed.