Alisal Fire burning in Santa Barbara County prompts evacuations, Highway 101 closures

KCBX | By Benjamin Purper

Published October 11, 2021 at 8:56 PM PDT

Evacuations orders are in place in the Refugio Canyon area of Santa Barbara County due to the Alisal Fire, which has burned at least 3,000 acres and shut down parts of Highway 101.

The evacuation order from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office also includes the areas of Arroyo Hondo, Tajiguas and Arroyo Quemada as well as El Capitan State Park and the El Capitan campground.

There is also an evacuation warning for El Capitan north of the campground and east to Dos Pueblos Canyon.

The vegetation fire first sparked in the Santa Ynez Mountains above Alisal Reservoir, according to fire officials.

Highway 101 was closed between Hwy 1 and Winchester/Cathedral Oaks in both directions as fire approached the freeway.

There is an evacuation shelter at Dos Pueblos High School supported by the Red Cross. Livestock can be taken to the Earl Warren Showgrounds.

The fire caused visible smoke throughout Santa Barbara County, including the Santa Ynez Valley and Gaviota.

There are also high winds in the county, as much of Santa Barbara County is under a high wind warning in place until at least Tuesday morning.

This story is developing. Check back here for updates.

Updated: October 12, 2021 at 2:44 PM PDT

The fire has now burned 8,000 acres and is 0% contained, according to Inciweb.

Updated: October 12, 2021 at 11:07 AM PDT

Gusty winds have propelled the uncontained Alisal Fire in Santa Barbara County to 6,000 acres, according to Santa Barbara County Fire.

Highway 101 is closed between Highway 1 and Winchester Canyon Road/Cathedral Oaks in both directions, while Highway 154 remains open.

The railway parallel to Highway 101 is also closed and impacting Amtrak train travel in both directions, according to Santa Barbara County Fire.

About 100 homes are threatened, mostly in the Refugio Canyon, and one structure has burned already.

There is no perceived threat to Goleta, according to fire officials.

Updated: October 12, 2021 at 5:30 AM PDT

Highway 101 is still closed this morning after the Alisal Fire jumped the freeway and is now burning along the Gaviota coastline.

The fire has burned 3,900 acres and is 0% contained as of early Tuesday, according to Santa Barbara County Fire.

Highway 101 is closed from Highway 1 at Las Cruces and Winchester Canyon/Cathedral Oaks Road in Goleta.

Evacuation orders are in effect for residents in the Refugio Canyon, including Arroyo Hondo, Tajiguas and Arroyo Quemada as well as El Capitan State Park and the El Capitan Campground.

An evacuation warning was put in place for the area north of El Capitan Campground and east to Dos Pueblos Canyon.

There is also a temporary evacuation center at Dos Pueblos High School at 7266 Alameda Avenue in Goleta.

According to incident information service Inciweb, as many as 100 structures, including ranches and homes, are threatened.