Our Mission
The Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade was created to prepare for and respond to natural disasters and community crises through volunteer training, coordination and deployment.
The Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade (“SB3”) was formed to organize a community volunteer response to the tragic debris flow of January 9, 2018, which devastated the community of Montecito in Santa Barbara County, CA. The disaster caused 23 fatalities and over 150 injuries. More than 100 homes were destroyed and an additional 300 homes were damaged. Since the disaster, SB3 has led over 3,000 volunteers into the community to help those directly affected by the debris flow – digging mud and debris out of homes, helping families find lost belongings, cleaning up public open spaces, helping to restore local trails and rescuing endangered oak trees.
Upcoming Events
CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training at UCSB.
Free three-day course. This is intensive certification training — attendance is required all three days. Bucket Brigade leadership team will…
Volunteer Testimonials
Brianna Hammond
When the Thomas Fire and debris flow hit our community, it was an all-too-familiar situation for my family, as we...read more
Christina Bean
“Get me the specs, and I’ll get you the power.” That was the first "let’s get it done" order I...read more
Carrie Little
When we arrived at our destination off Olive Mill Road, I was struck by how quiet it was in the...read more
Bryan Elliot
Today I felt the best and most hopeful part of human nature, a sorely needed reassurance in these trying times....read more
Lisa Couch
My husband and I, along with a friend, were assigned to dig out a garage. The house had mostly survived,...read more
David Landecker
I was skiing in Europe when the debris flow occurred. I followed KEYT online and watched CNN news reports to...read more
Patrick Gregston
Having been part of the Tea Fire recovery community, my email was included in Abe’s first call for help after...read more
