Progress stopped for multi-acre brush fire near Los Olivos, structures threatened

LOS OLIVOS, Calif. - Santa Barbara County firefighters responded to a vegetation fire that broke out south of Los Olivos Saturday afternoon.

The fire was first reported around 12:56 p.m. in the area of Ballard Canyon Road and Tapadero Road.

As of 1:21 p.m., the fire was about five to seven acres in size with a slow rate of spread.

By 1:44 p.m., crews said the fire had burned 15 to 20 acres with potential to reach 30 acres.

Three structures are reportedly threatened by the burn, however, no evacuations were ordered.

Multiple engines responded to the scene. Two helicopters were also called to assist in the attack. A second alarm was called shortly after as teams work to protect threatened buildings. Two fixed-wing tankers responded to perform drops.

Forward progress of the fire was stopped at about 2:27 p.m.

Ballard Canyon Road was closed near Tapadero Road around 1:23 p.m.

Crews are calling this the Ballard Fire.

We will update this story as more information becomes available.