Arson Report

This email is being sent to the campus community as a Timely Warning regarding crimes that occurred on campus property. The following is provided for your personal safety.

On the afternoon of Wednesday, July 10, 2024, the UCSB Police Department received a report of an arson that occurred at North Campus Open Space (west of West Campus Family Housing).  During this fire incident, an area of approximately 50 x 50 yards of vegetation burned.  A person of interest was observed by witnesses leaving the area of the arson riding a black bicycle with a skateboard attached to the front handlebars of the bicycle.  This person of interest, described as a male subject, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and black neck gaiter covering his face, was last observed riding a bicycle westbound toward Ellwood. 

It is unknown if the arson incidents referenced from the timely warning sent on July 3, 2024, are connected to the arson incident this afternoon at the North Campus Open Space.

UCPD is investigating this crime. If you have information that might assist in the investigation, please contact the UCSB Police Department at (805) 893-3446, or report crime information anonymously at https://www.police.ucsb.edu/report-crime

UCPD reminds the campus community of the following:

Safety Tips

  • Call 9-1-1 to report an active fire. If you’re inside a building, walk quickly to evacuate. Do not use elevators. Once outside, move at least 50 feet from the affected building.
  • Report extinguished fires, no matter how small, to the UCSB Police Department by calling (805) 893-3446.  
  • Immediately report suspicious activity to the UCSB Police Department, including the use of open flame or someone talking about/planning an arson, by calling (805) 893-3446.
  • Additional fire procedures can be found here: https://www.emergency.ucsb.edu/emergency-response-procedures/fire

Resources

  • Fire Prevention Resources can be found on the Emergency Health & Safety Website: https://www.ehs.ucsb.edu/programs-services/fire-prevention
  • Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) provides individual counseling, group counseling, and wellness opportunities to students. Call (805) 893-4411 or submit a CAPS Services Request Form. 24/7 phone counseling is available by calling (805) 893-4411. CAPS website: caps.sa.ucsb.edu.
  • The Academic & Staff Assistance Program (ASAP) offers short-term counseling, consultation, wellness workshops, and assistance with threat management to faculty and staff. Call (805) 893-3318 to schedule an appointment. ASAP website: www.hr.ucsb.edu/hr-units/employee-services/asap
  • The UCSB Police Department's CSO Safety Escort Program is a free service provided to members of the UCSB community as a safe alternative to walking alone at night. Call (805) 893-2000 to request a CSO escort. For more information: https://www.police.ucsb.edu/cso/cso-safety-escorts.

**UCPD encourages printing and posting of this Timely Warning for further community notification.**
 
WHAT IS THIS NOTICE?  
In compliance with the Clery Act, Timely Warnings are issued by the UCSB Police Department when certain (Clery Act) crimes occurring on campus property, properties controlled by campus-affiliated organizations, or public property immediately adjacent to campus are determined to be a serious or continuing threat to the campus community. Timely Warnings are intended to prevent similar crimes and to provide information that will assist community members in protecting themselves.