Santa Barbara County braces for more evacuations as Alisal Fire grows
County officials say the fire stands at 5% containment, and the evacuation orders affect about 270 residents with an evacuation warning for 260 residents
Alisal Fire forces evacuations in Santa Barbara County
The Alisal Fire in Santa Barbara County, California, forced evacuations as it grew to 6,000 acres on Oct. 12, only a day after it began, according to official reports. The Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office issued evacuation orders for Arroyo Hondo Canyon, Refugio Canyon, and other areas. As of the afternoon of Oct. 12, the fire was zero percent contained. These videos taken by Colleen Keene, who said she took them in Goleta, show the fire.
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Fire evacuations are underway for residents in Santa Barbara County, California, as the Alisal Fire grows to 13,400 acres.
County officials said the fire stands at 5% containment and proclaimed a local emergency on Oct. 12. The evacuation orders affect about 270 residents with an evacuation warning for 260 residents.
"The Alisal Fire is causing a threat to people and property within the county of Santa Barbara, necessitating all resources necessary be utilized to respond," Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors Chair Bob Nelson said.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department issued the following evacuation notices:
- An evacuation order for Arroyo Hondo Canyon, Refugio Canyon, and the area between El Capitan Beach State Park and West Camino Cielo. Residents should leave the area immediately.
- An evacuation warning for the area east of El Capitan Beach State Park, west of Dos Pueblos Canyon Rd, and south of West Camino Cielo. ADDITIONAL Evacuation Warning Issued at 3:15 p.m. on Oct. 12 for the area east of Calle Mariposa Reina, west of Arroyo Hondo, and south of W Camino Cielo. Residents should be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.
Los Padres National Forest officials said the Alisal Fire began about 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 11, burning near the Alisal Reservoir. In less than a day, the fire burned 6,000 acres with 0% containment. It is currently threatening as many as 100 structures.
Santa Barbara County Fire has requested assistance through the Federal Management Assistance Grant program.
An evacuation shelter is located at Dos Pueblos High School at 7266 Alameda Ave. in Goleta. The American Red Cross is supporting evacuees with sheltering needs.