Arson Revealed As Cause Of Gibraltar Fire

The U.S. Forest Service and Santa Barbara County Fire Department have revealed the cause of the Gibraltar Fire that broke out on October 29, 2015.

The joint investigation concluded that the Gibraltar Fire was intentionally set by an unknown party, who ignited the dry vegetation immediately adjacent to the Cold Spring Trail.

A press release issued by Andrew Madsen with the Los Padres National Forest Service states that arson investigators determined the flames broke out at 5:15 a.m. that morning near Gibraltar Road and Camino Cielo.

Local residents first spotted the small fire and called 911. By daybreak, a large plume of smoke could be seen billowing from Gibraltar Peak.

An aggressive air and ground attack stopped the blaze at 21 acres in the mountains above Santa Barbara and Montecito and closed off a portion of the hiking trail for weeks.

Authorities are asking anyone with information as to the identity of the person or people responsible, to call investigators at 805-925-9538, ext 238.