Potential up to 500 acres
An early morning vegetation fire has burned 200 acres of vegetation in Hollister Ranch. The fire could reach up to 500 acres.
Santa Barbara County Fire Department spokesman Capt. Daniel Bertucelli said at 2:15 a.m. on Thursday, the department deployed a “first alarm” vegetation fire response team with one fire engine.
“Upon the arrival of the first engine company they upped the response to a ‘second alarm’ vegetation response to include an additional four engines plus additional dozers and hand crews as well as water tenders,” Capt. Bertucelli said.
When the reinforcements arrived, the fire had burned 20 acres and was spreading rapidly. Capt. Bertucelli said offshore winds fanned the flames and created a potential for up to 500 acres of spread.
The fire spread to 200 acres by 5 a.m. At 8 a.m. Capt. Bertucelli reported 10% fire containment with 120 firefighters on the scene.
The fire department issued evacuation warnings for some houses in Hollister Ranch that the fire may affect if it continues to spread.
