Month–Long Fire Still Rages

With 74,000 acres burned at a total cost of $56.8 million and rising, the Zaca Fire, which started July 4, continues to burn and threaten structures in the Santa Ynez Valley and Camino Cielo areas of Highway 154.

The month-long blaze is 72 percent contained with firefighters estimating total containment by Sep. 7, according to an update released by the Forest Service and Santa Barbara County Fire Department, Aug. 9.

The fire continues to be active in the Rattlesnake Canyon area with winds expected to keep the fire moving north east.

At the time of release, 595 structures were still threatened by the fire. There were 15 injuries and no casualties reported. A number of firefighters sprained ankles on the steep, rugged mountain terrain, according to an earlier report from Santa Barbara County Fire Department Public Information Officer Capt. Eli Iskow.

Over 2,400 personnel have been dispatched to the fire along with 130 engines, 17 helicopters, eight air tankers and two air-attack units.

Evacuations have included the Peachtree community, Paradise Road and the lower Santa Ynez River to Gibraltar Dam. The areas evacuated included the Los Prietos Boys Camp. Up-to-date evacuation information is available by calling 805-961-5770.

The county is currently trying to gather information about vulnerable populations in potential evacuation areas. The county is asking for any residents with medical conditions or life-sustaining medical equipment that would require assistance in an evacuation to call 805-968-0462.