Cave Fire 85 percent contained, Hwy. 154 expected to open by Monday

For updated information, check out our story » Hwy. 154 set to reopen by Sunday evening after 6-day closure due to Cave Fire, Caltrans says

The Santa Barbara County Fire Department announced Saturday that the Cave Fire is 85 percent contained, remaining at the previously reported 3,126 acres.

According to Cal Fire public information officer Mike Eliason, the weather is expected to play a role in whether Hwy. 154 will be reopened by Monday and whether the fire will be fully contained by Dec. 4.

Depending on how much rain arrives, full containment could take until Dec. 13.

Some 50 firefighters are still mopping up smoldering material and hot spots around the fire, according to Santa Barbara County Fire Department public information officer Daniel Bertucelli.

This story was originally published November 30, 2019 at 1:40 PM.