On November 13, a wild fire ripped through the hills above Santa Barbara

On November 13, a wild fire ripped through the hills above Santa Barbara burning nearly 2,000 acres and destroying over 200 houses. Among the hardest hit areas was a community of homes along Mountain Drive where Smith-Dahmer Associate Jeff Metcalfe lives.

According to Jeff, “The fire was absolutely devastating. It took the homes of most of my friends. It didn’t burn California mansions; it burned work trucks and kid toys and family rooms. It burned the homes of ordinary, working people.”

Moved by the magnitude of destruction, the employees at Smith-Dahmer Associates raised money to assist residents of Mountain Drive in the days immediately following the fire. “It means so much,” says Jeff. “FEMA is beginning to open up cases so we’re hopeful that help is on the way, but for now, so many people are without homes or possessions. Donations like this really go a long way.”

With rain in the forecast, residents brace themselves for heavy erosion and potential slides. This weekend volunteers worked along side city officials laying sandbags and putting up silt fencing. Food and materials for the work weekend were donated by local businesses.

Smith-Dahmer Associates encourages you to help support this community as it works to rebuild. Visit their website at www.Teafirerelief.com to find out what you can do to help.