Couple burned in Tea fire improving at burn center

A man and wife who were burned while evacuating from their home during the Tea fire near Montecito, California are improving at an Orange County burn center.

The condition of Lance and Carla Hoffman, both 29 years old, have been upgraded from critical. They have been hospitalized at the University of California, Irvine, Regional Burn Center since the Nov. 13 Santa Barbara County blaze.

Hospital spokesman John Murray says the couple, who suffered second- and third-degree burns while fleeing their rented home, are still sedated.

Carla Hoffman was taken off a ventilator Monday night and she's listed in fair condition. Lance Hoffman remains serious and on a ventilator.

In Santa Barbara, a movie fundraiser for the couple will be held Dec. 15 at the Arlington Theater.

This unfortunate event is one of the reasons many agencies are considering a "leave early or shelter in place" policy.