Full containment on 420 acre Real Fire expected Monday
UPDATE: 6:38 p.m. Friday –
Firefighters say full containment on the Real Fire is expected on Monday.
Evacuations were lifted for El Capitan Canyon and Ocean Mesa RV Park.
The fire is holding at 420 acres and 50 percent containment.
UPDATE: 5:06 p.m. Friday –
The Real Fire is currently 420 acres with 50 percent containment.
Wind conditions are moderate but will pick up later tonight and over the weekend.
Fire crews will continue to be in the area and work on containment of the fire.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
UPDATE: 9:52 a.m. Friday –
#Realinc UPDATE: 420 acres at 20% containment. Containment # to increase today. 105 FF’s on today reinforcing line and mopping up. Critical fire weather expected this PM. SBC reminds people to stay vigilant during critical fire weather conditions.@EliasonMike
— Daniel Bertucelli (@SBCFireInfo) October 18, 2019
All lanes on Highway 101 are open to traffic. Campers who were evacuated from El Capitan on Thursday were allowed to return Friday morning to retrieve belongings, but the campground remains closed.
ORIGINAL STORY –
Evacuations were ordered in El Capitan Canyon due to a vegetation fire that broke out Thursday afternoon.
The fire broke out around 4:30 p.m. on the 12000 block of Calle Real along the Gaviota Coast north of Goleta. The fire was being driven by strong winds between 40 and 50 mph as it burned towards Goleta.
Evacuations were ordered near El Capitan Canyon and El Capitan State Beach. Residents on the coastal areas between Dos Pueblos Canyon and Gaviota were also being evacuated.
#Realinc fast moving brush fire impacting el cap canyon. Will impact 101 soon. Evacuations in progress. pic.twitter.com/p3MWtz1PZ4
— Daniel Bertucelli (@SBCFireInfo) October 18, 2019
The Red Cross opened a shelter for evacuees at the Goleta Valley Community Center at 5679 Hollister Avenue.
Highway 101 was closed in both directions Thursday evening. Northbound traffic was closed at El Capitan Ranch and southbound traffic was closed at Refugio Road. All traffic was being turned around at that area.
Offramps were shut down to help with evacuations.
Amtrak train traffic was also delayed.
At around 7:30 p.m., a single lane of both southbound and northbound Highway 101 was open to traffic.
Santa Barbara County Fire, Los Padres National Forest Fire Department, Vandenberg Fire Department and other local agencies assisted. California Highway Patrol and Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office are assisting with evacuations.
Air support was ordered in addition to multiple fire engines and handcrews. Planes were seen taking off and refueling at the Santa Maria Airport.
#VegFire– #Real Fire 12000 block of Calle Real/Gaviota Coast. 2nd Alarm. Wind driven fire burning east of El Capitan Campground, which is being evacuated. C/T 4:32. Real IC reporting at least 20 acres & 0% containment. pic.twitter.com/NntvSfXbV5
— SBCFireInfo (@EliasonMike) October 18, 2019
The fire had grown to 443 acres and was 20% contained as of 9 p.m. No structures were damaged. , according to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department. Santa Barbara County Fire Captain Daniel Bertucelli said firefighters were making good progress battling the flames.
“Once the wind diminishes, we’re really able to do our thing,” Bertucelli said.
250 firefighters were battling the fire on Thursday. By late Thursday night, only a couple of fire vehicles remained on the hillside.
Evacuation orders were lifted by 11 p.m. Thursday, with the exception of El Capitan Canyon Campground, El Capitan State Beach Campground and Ocean Mesa RV and Campground
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Check back for updates.
KEYT 2019
