Nojoqui Grade Fire contained in Santa Barbara County
NOJOQUI GRADE, Calif. — According to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, crews were dispatched to the Nojoqui Grade area north of Gaviota Friday afternoon about a vegetation fire.
SBC fire crews say the "Grade Fire" was a "second alarm fire" and reportedly burned mostly grass along the northbound side of Highway 101.
The Grade Fire was halted at approximately 3:30 p.m. and burned 97 acres. The fire containment levels currently stands at 80% contained.
Firefighters on the ground were being assisted by Air Support Unit Copter 308 and six air water tankers, along with one VLAT (very large air tanker) assigned to tackle the fire near structures in the area.
Crews from the Los Padres National Forest and from Cal Fire San Luis Obispo County also assisted with the fire.
Vegetation Fire UPDATE: Fire reported now at 97 acres. Air Tankers and LPF Copt. 528 being released. Forward progress is anticipated within the next hour. Video-SBC Fire. pic.twitter.com/UBmvXuwNHK
— Scott Safechuck (@SBCFireInfo) October 6, 2023
According to California Highway Patrol, a single northbound lane of Highway 101 was closed in response to the fire from Old Coast Road to just south of the Pork Palace.
While no evacuation warning was given to the Nojoqui Grade area, the National Weather Service reported conditions near the Grade Fire had 5-10 mph winds, 95-degree temperatures and low humidity between 15 to 20%.
A Heat Advisory is in effect countywide through Saturday night, says the NWS.
"Firefighters will remain at the Grade Incident working through the night to increase containment lines around the perimeter of fire," said SBC Fire Public Information Officer Scott Safechuck.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
More information will be added to this article as it becomes available.
