Santa Barbara County fire remains at 100 acres; containment rises to 20%

A vegetation fire burning on the Hollister Ranch along the Gaviota Coast remained at 100 acres Sunday morning, with containment rising to 20%, according to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

The fire was being fought mainly by engine crews, hand crews and bulldozers, with aircraft available to assist, said fire Capt. Daniel Bertucelli.

“Strong winds in the area are testing the fire lines,” Bertucelli said.

Evacuation orders remained in effect for the rural community along the Gaviota Coast, but it was reduced to a warning at noon, Bertucelli said.

There have been no reports of injuries or structures damaged.

Bertucelli posted a video online showing heavy flames churning through the chaparral.

“This fire behavior is not typical of fire in March,” he said. “Please be fire-aware, and limit opportunities for fires to start.”

A wind advisory was issued for much of the county through 3 a.m. Monday, calling for 20-35 mph winds with gusts to 45 mph, and isolated gusts to 50 mph near Gaviota.

“The good news is that these winds are pushing cool damp marine air from the Central Coast into the Hollister Fire,” according to the forecast discussion from the National Weather Service in Oxnard.

Temperatures Sunday were forecast to be in the mid-70s, with overnight lows in the mid-40s.

Noozhawk executive editor Tom Bolton can be reached at tbolton@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.