Forest Service releases cause of the Whittier Fire

The fire burned 18,430 acres northwest of Santa Barbara, California in July, 2017

Six months after the Whittier Fire stopped spreading the U.S. Forest Service has released the cause of the blaze. The investigation determined that a vehicle driving through tall grass near Camp Whittier ignited the fire.

The Forest Service did not file criminal charges. Due to the age of the driver, the agency will not release any additional details of the investigation.

The Whittier Fire started July 8 on Bureau of Reclamation land and quickly spread onto National Forest System lands northwest of Santa Barbara, California. The fire burned 18,430 acres until it stopped spreading July 20.

The fire has been in the news since a U.S. Forest Service firefighter, Dave Dahlberg, was introduced and honored by President Trump at the January 30 State of the Union Address. Mr. Dahlberg helped rescue 62 children and staff members when the Whittier Fire encircled their camp.

David Dahlberg meets Sonny Perdue.
David Dahlberg meets Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. Dept. of Agriculture photo. Mr. Dahlberg saved dozens of children and adults that were encircled by the Whittier Fire.

Typos, let us know HERE, and specify which article. Please read the commenting rules before you post a comment.

Author: Bill Gabbert

After working full time in wildland fire for 33 years, he continues to learn, and strives to be a Student of Fire.

2 thoughts on “Forest Service releases cause of the Whittier Fire”

  1. Blame it on a small child nice cover up. My buddy lost out on many acres on his parents property. Where it started is a BIG ? Seems to me someone is covering up what REALY HAPPENED.

    0
    0

Comments are closed.