Fire Crews At Hope Ranch ‘Volcano’ Geological Phenomena Sparks Vegetation Fire Tuesday

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) – Fire crews are on the scene of a half-acre vegetation fire off of Creciente Drive in the Hope Ranch neighborhood Tuesday.

According to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, this is a geological event that started the flames along nearby the coastal bluffs.

The flames spread to surrounding vegetation, totaling approximately half an acre, and poses a modest threat to structures, according to the Santa Barbara Count Fire Department.

The local fire agency noted the area has a history of the same recurring geological event that periodically causes flare-ups such as Tuesday's fire.

The phenomena is known as the 'Hope Ranch Volcano' by locals which has emitted smoke and even sparked fires multiple times in the past and is known as a solfatara.

The naturally occurring event vents steam and sulfurous gasses and can spread smoke in the local area, especially if a fire has been sparked.

This is an evolving emergency response and more information will be added to this article as it is received.