Cal Fire firefighters are battling a blaze that has broken out at the top of the ridge between Avila Beach and El Portal Drive in Shell Beach.

The spot where the fire is burning is along the ridge-top trail that runs from El Portal to the Pirate's Cove beach off Cave Landing Road.

Cal Fire estimates three to five acres are burning in heavy brush. Oak woodlands are beneath the ridge, while the ocean side of the hill is covered mostly in shrubby plants.