Edhat Staff
Update by Edhat Staff
8:57 p.m., July 11, 2017
Alamo Fire Update
As of 6:45 p.m., Tepusquet Canyon is still facing mandatory evacuation. Highway 166 from Highway 101 to New Cuyama and Tepusquet Canyon Road from Hwy 166 to Santa Maria Mesa Road are still closed. Firefighters are continuing to be successful increasing containment lines. Lower temperatures and increased humidity will assist progress through the night. Challenges remain due to steep and rugged terrain. Fire management remains in unified command with CAL FIRE, USFS, and County of Santa Barbara Fire Department.
Whittier Fire Update
Earlier this afternoon the fire made a run up the slope in the Hot Springs Canyon Area caused a large cloud of smoke, but quickly settled down. The weather is going to be cooperative with the fire, with minimal winds and high humidity. The fire is currently within the area of expectation and is expected to die down a bit this evening.
Crews are preparing to begin their 12 hour night operations on the fire.
Alamo Fire Update
Crews continue to fight the Alamo Fire burning near Highway 166 and the Twitchell Reservoir. Containment is up to 45% with acres burned at 28,926.
An Evacuation Order is in place for the following areas: Blazing Saddle Drive, Buckhorn Ridge, Pine Canyon, White Rock Lane, Tepusquet Road – south of Blazing Saddle Drive to Santa Maria Mesa Road. Tepusquet Road from Highway 166 to Santa Maria Mesa Road remains closed.
Whittier Fire Update
The Whittier Fire is at 25% containment and 10,823 acres burned.
Evacuation orders remain in effect for Highway 154 from Armour Ranch to Paradise Road. All campgrounds off Highway 154 were evacuated on Saturday, July 8 when the fire started and Hwy 154 is closed until further notice from Highway 246 to Foothill/Cathedral Oaks. Old San Marcos Road is closed between Hwy 154 and Via Parva. West Camino Cielo from Refugio Road east to the fire is closed.
The Evacuation Order for Farren Road to Winchester Canyon in the Goleta area was downgraded this morning to an Evacuation Warning. Only residents served by Farren Road will be allowed through the barricades. An Evacuation Warning is in place for Las Varas Canyon east to Winchester Canyon and from Highway 101 North to W. Camino Cielo; and Paradise Road from Hwy 154 to the first river crossing.
Law enforcement is patrolling the evacuation areas, and as soon as it is safe, we will communicate how and when people can re-enter the area to retrieve personal items left behind during the evacuation.
Air Quality Warning:
The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District issued an Air Quality Watch for Santa Barbara County.
Levels of smoke and particles, and areas impacted, will vary. 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.
If you have symptoms that may be related to exposure to smoke and soot, contact your health care provider. Symptoms include repeated coughing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness or pain, palpitations, and nausea or unusual fatigue or lightheadedness.
During hot weather, use your best judgment when it comes to keeping your home cool when there is smoke in your area. Keep windows and doors closed unless it is extremely hot. If you have an air conditioner, run it with the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean. If you have a whole house fan, turn it off unless it is extremely hot. If smoke is not present where you live, take the opportunity to air out your home.
Note: West Camino Cielo from Refugio Road east to the fire is CLOSED. We are seeing private vehicles in the area, which is extremely unsafe for motorists, hikers, public safety officials and firefighting crews.
