The Cave Fire was considered 85 percent contained as of Saturday afternoon with full containment possible this week, weather permitting, authorities said.
The blaze has charred an estimated 3,126 acres. A total of 50 firefighters were working Saturday to line the area and mop up smoke in areas that are difficult to access, said Capt. Daniel Bertucelli, spokesman for the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.
The fire erupted around 4:15 p.m. Nov. 25 along State Route 154 near Painted Cave Road. The blaze prompted several evacuation orders and road closures. The 154 has been closed since the fire broke out, though Caltrans officials may reopen the highway by Monday.
Capt. Bertucelli posted on Twitter and wrote: “if weather permits, full containment by Dec. 4th, if weather does not permit Dec. 13th.”
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
