Alisal Fire nears containment in Santa Barbara County as firefighters mop up hot spots
Firefighters achieved 78% containment of the Alisal Fire Sunday morning, up from 50% containment on Saturday.
The blaze burning along the Gaviota coast had scorched 17,253 acres as of Sunday morning, according to a U.S. Forest Service news release.
Fire crews continued containment efforts and mop-up along Highway 101 on Saturday, according to the Fire Service.
“Today’s main priority is to contain patches of heat remaining to the northwest edge of the fire,” the agency said.
Some of the 1,655 personnel assigned to the fire will be released slowly, Santa Barbara County Fire Department spokesman Mike Eliason tweeted.
Eliason said people should be aware of fire equipment on the road as crews return home.
Gaviota, Refugio and El Capitan state beaches and campgrounds will be closed until Oct. 24, as fire crews use the areas for staging, housing and access, according to Eliason.
Evacuation orders still in place due to wildfire
An evacuation order remained in place Sunday morning in place for the area west of Arroyo Hondo to the intersection of Highway 101 and Highway 1, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.
Evacuation orders were also in effect for Arroyo Hondo Canyon, Refugio Canyon and the area between El Capitan Beach State Park and West Camino Cielo, with the exception of the residences along Arroyo Quemada Lane, the Sheriff’s Office said.
The agency canceled its evacuation warning for the area west of Highway 101, including Gaviota Beach and Hollister Ranch properties, on Saturday evening.
