Man arrested on suspicion of starting 16.9-acre vegetation fire near Hollister Ranch
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. — A man was arrested over the weekend on suspicion of arson in connection to a 16.9-acre fire still burning Monday near Hollister Ranch.
According to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, the fire is now 100% contained as of Tuesday afternoon.
#RidgeFire Acreage update: 16.9 Acres & 30% containment.
— Scott Safechuck (@SBCFireInfo) September 30, 2024
An evacuation warning was issued Sunday afternoon and remains in effect for the Alegria Canyon and Hollister Ranch areas near the fire detailed the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management.
An adult male was arrested over the weekend and is suspected of intentionally igniting what firefighters call the "Ridge Fire", but the full investigation into the fire's cause is ongoing shared the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.
Fire crews responded to the initial fire at Hollister Ranch Road around 10:15 p.m. Sunday.
More information on the Ridge Fire can be found at the Ready SBC website.
Your NewsChannel will update this article as more information enters the newsroom.
