The Randall Road Debris Basin in Montecito, CA is a historic, geologic debris field where debris naturally accumulates. Rainstorms following the December 2017 – January 2018 Thomas Fire in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties caused a destructive debris flow and destroyed the homes built in this high-hazardous area. There was significant loss of life and destroyed property. Dollars to construct the debris basin included a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant and is one example of the many mitigation actions that communities can take to help reduce disaster suffering and build resilience.
