A major coastal highway remained shut down Wednesday and residents scrambled to evacuate as a growing blaze fuel by howling winds significantly increased the already present risk of wildfires in Southern California.
Hundreds of firefighters are battling the 15,442-acre Alisal Fire, which covers more than 21 square miles along coastal Santa Barbara County, Santa Barbara County fire officials said in a Wednesday update.
Highway 101 remains closed north of Goleta at Winchester Canyon Road to the junction of SR-1 in Las Cruces, according to officials, who also said Pacific Railroad and Amtrak lines will also be closed from Gaviota to Goleta. Check the latest alerts with Cal Trans here.
The fire erupted Oct. 11 on a ridge and swept toward the ocean, forcing the closure of U.S. 101, the only major highway on that section of the coast. Evacuation orders and warnings were in place for ranches and several rural communities.
While the area was lightly populated, the blaze is threatening more than 100 structures, including homes, ranches and other buildings, fire officials said.
"Incredible challenges with incredible winds gusting up to 70 mph...spot fires everywhere," Los Padres National Forest Fire Chief Jim Harris said Wednesday. "Very challenging and [firefighters] are doing a very good job keeping everyone safe and preventing damage."
The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors declared a local emergency on Tuesday and asked Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency to free more state resources for firefighters and evacuees.
Evacuation Orders
Fire officials have issued evacuation orders for Arroyo Hondo Canyon, Refugio Canyon, and the area between El Capitan Beach State Park and West Camino Cielo. Everyone in the area is asked to leave immediately.
Evacuation Warnings
Fire officials have issued evacuation warnings for the area east of El Capitan Beach State Park, west of Dos Pueblos Canyon Rd, and south of West Camino Cielo.
Evacuation warnings are also in effect in the area east of Calle Mariposa Reina, west of Arroyo Hondo, and south of W Camino Cielo. Everyone in these areas is asked to be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.
Assistance For Evacuees
The American Red Cross is supporting evacuees with sheltering needs. The Evacuation Center is in the upper parking lot at Dos Pueblos High School located at 7266 Alameda Avenue in Goleta is on standby.
Evacuees needing assistance can contact the American Red Cross at 833-583-3111.
Santa Barbara County Animal Services has been activated to assist with animal evacuations. Animal owners should call 805-681-4332 if assistance is needed to evacuate animals.
Earl Warren Showgrounds has been established as an evacuation center for large animals. County Animal Services, located at 5473 Overpass Road in Goleta, is accepting small animals.
Livestock can be taken to the Earl Warren Showgrounds.
For the latest on the Alisal Fire, monitor Santa Barbara County updates here. For an interactive map of the incident, like the one below, click here.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
Related
Related
