Crews extinguish vegetation fire near Los Olivos

Quick action from Santa Barbara County Fire crews helped extinguish a vegetation fire that broke out near Los Olivos Sunday afternoon.

The fire sparked on private property near Firestone Vineyard at 5017 Zaca Station Road.

Four engine companies and a fire helicopter responded to the area at around 2:00 p.m.

The wind-driven blaze burned over 12 acres of vegetation before crews contained the flames.

One structure was immediately threatened but crews managed to protect it from sustaining any damage.

Some powerlines were reported down in the area but officials do not believe they were the cause of the fire.

California received more rain than previous years, but the added moisture may actually create more difficulty for firefighters come fire season.

Santa Barbara County Fire Captain Dave Zaniboni said the rainfall encouraged more vegetation growth which is quickly beginning to dry out.

“We had so much rain this year, that we have a huge grass crop. Grass is taller than we’ve seen in years,” Zaniboni said. “Really this year we could have quite a serious fire season.”