Hollister Fire containment up to 75% as crews look for remaining hot spots
UPDATE: Santa Barbara County Fire has announced 75% containment of the Hollister Fire burning east of Highway 101 near Gaviota.
The fire started Thursday morning in strong winds and burned 156 acres around Hollister Ranch. The ranch was under an evacuation warning when the fire started. No structures have been lost.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. -- Firefighters have been at the scene of a brush fire since early Thursday morning near Hollister Ranch in Gaviota.
The fire broke out around 2:15 a.m on Hollister Ranch Road. Firefighters are calling this vegetation fire the "Hollister Fire." At about 2:45 a.m the fire expanded to about 20 acres. And then exploded to a newly estimated 150 acres by 10:30 a.m. The fire is now 10% contained.
An earlier estimate of 200 acres burned was revised downward as firefighters were able to see more from the path of the fire during the morning hours.
Containment was started after the arrival of a water dropping helicopter. The helicopter started hitting flames as soon as the sun came up around 6:00 a.m.
County fire has issued an evacuation warning for Hollister Ranch properties. People should seek refugee at their own property since firefighters need to keep Hollister Ranch road clear.
