SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif- Fire crews are responding to the Lookout fire burning 10 miles North of Santa Barbara in the Painted Cave area. The very latest information on the fire as of 4P.M. it is 45% contained. There are approximately 300 people are on the scene fighting the fire. Southern California Edison has fully restored the power.
Right now the firefights are holding the fire at 15 to 30 acres. The fire is bumping up against rock in steep terrain. Crews are working to create control lines for the fire.
Santa Barbara County firefighters say they are still concerned that the wind may drive the fire out of the slope. There are currently light winds in the area with temperatures up to 90 degrees. Afternoon winds are expected to reach up to 20 mph gusts.
Reverse 911 messages were made for 40 homes in the Paint Cave area telling people they needed to evacuate. The Santa Barbara County Sheriffs officers say deputies and search and rescue crews have evacuated most residents in the area.
The American Red Cross has an evacuation center at 300 North Turnpike in Goleta for those evacuated as a result of the Lookout Fire. This evacuation point will have snacks and beverages available as well as information updates regarding the fire.
Cal Fire is reporting that horses are now being evacuated from some of the properties. The Earl Warren Showgrounds 805-895-9481.
Santa Barbara County Fire was assisted by the US Forest Service, Santa Barbara City FD, Montecito FD, Vandenberg FD, Cal Fire, California Highway Patrol and the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department.
CALTRANS is advising people to use Hwy. 101 as an alternate route in and out of Santa Barbara. Both directions of Hwy 154 have re-opened but COUNTY ROADS in the area including Painted Cave REMAIN CLOSED just north of Santa Barbara in the San Marcos Pass area, according to Caltrans.
ACRES BURNED: Approximately 15-30, 10% contained
EVACUATIONS: Some mandatory, evacuation center is open at 300 North Turnpike in Goleta. Horses are also being evacuated, the Earl Warren Show Grounds is taking them in 805-895-9481.
CONDITIONS: Temperatures in the mid 90's, moderate humidity and light wind gusts up to 20 mph are predicted this afternoon. This is a slow moving fire.
Personnel: 250
Air Quality: Air Quality Watch for Southern and Central Santa Barbara County to be in effect until Thursday morning. For more information see www.OurAir.org, and for recorded advisory updates, call 805-961-8802.
