With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
Alamo Fire burns thousands of acres in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties
The Alamo Fire burning on Friday, July 7, 2017.
(
via Cal Fire
)
The Alamo Fire burning on Friday, July 7, 2017.
(
via Cal Fire
)
Hot, dry and gusty winds have exploded the fast burning Alamo Fire. In eight hours, the fire tripled in size to 24,000 acres or 30 square miles, according to Cal Fire.
The fire, which started Thursday afternoon, has burned at an extreme rate of speed and remains only 10 percent contained.
About a thousand fire fighters have been battling the fire spanning Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. Five helicopters dropping water and four planes spraying fire retardant were also deployed.
The fire jumped retardant lines that had been in place on Friday afternoon and began "burning out of control," according to Santa Barbara County Fire's Dave Zaniboni. Crews are dealing with a lot of environmental challenges, officials said.
Support for LAist comes from
"We have a lot of dead vegetation in the area and very steep terrain, [it's] inaccessible," said Zaniboni. "We had high winds and low relative humidity and high temperatures all evening long. There's no fog this morning, so it's already clear and the fire is burning very active right now."
The fire spread from San Luis Obispo County into Santa Barbara County, according to fire officials. It was burning just north of Highway 166 near Twitchell Reservoir, according to Cal Fire, and was being pushed by winds, Zaniboni said.
Approximately 300 residents were notified of initial voluntary evacuations via reverse 911, Zaniboni said. Mandatory evacuation orders were later issued for Blazing Saddles and White Oak, with an evacuation warning in effect for the Tepesquet and Buckhorn areas, according to Santa Barbara County.
An air quality watch was put into effect for northern Santa Barbara County, with the Alamo Fire producing smoke that the county said may blow into the Santa Maria are and other northern parts of the county.
"If you see or smell smoke in the air, be cautious and use common sense to protect your and your family's health. Everyone, especially people with heart or lung disease (including asthma), older adults, and children, should limit time spent outdoors and avoid outdoor exercise when high concentrations of smoke and particles are in the air," Santa Barbara County said in a statement.
People who need assistance evacuating animals are advised to call Santa Barbara County Animal Services at (805) 681-4332.
This story has been updated.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent.
Best of LAist