Edhat Staff
A vegetation fire, designated as the Rosa Incident, has broken out in the rural area of the 4000 Block of Santa Rosa Road in Lompoc, near the intersection with Highway 1.
The Santa Barbara County Fire Department reported at 11:10 am Monday that a blaze, which was initially estimated at 10 acres, has quickly escalated in size and intensity, prompting a 2nd Alarm Fire Response.
Air Attack units overseeing the scene have observed a backing fire with a moderate rate of spread. Despite the difficult terrain and limited access to the region, fire engines and personnel are fiercely battling to reach the active zones of the fire.
The growth of the fire has been rapid, and in response, the department has called in substantial reinforcements, including two additional air tankers and one more helicopter. With these newest additions, a total of four air tankers and two helicopters have been ordered to assist in the aerial firefighting efforts.
Around 3:00 p.m. the Air Attack team has adjusted their estimate, indicating that the fire now spans approximately 15-20 acres.
By 8:30 p.m., the Santa Barbara County Fire Department announced the fire is 60% contained at 47 acres total.
Vegetation Fire /#RosaIncident Update: Forward progress stopped at 2:56pm. Fire personnel will work through the night to increase containment lines and mop-up hot spots. Final acreage will be releases once surveyed. Cause is under investigation. pic.twitter.com/Ga0brgpBJR
— Scott Safechuck (@SBCFireInfo) September 16, 2024
The fire’s exact location, positioned adjacently to Highway 1 and Santa Rosa Road, presents a challenge for ground crews due to the area’s limited accessibility. Nevertheless, resourceful ground teams are aggressively seeking multiple points of entry in a concerted effort to surround and suppress the rapidly growing blaze.
As of 3:00 p.m., the Santa Barbara County Fire Department reports the forward progress of the fire was stopped and all fixed-wing aircraft has been cancelled. The fire is holding at 20-30 acres with low fire activity and windy conditions.
Firefighters are working in 10-15 foot brush with SBC ASU Helicopter 308 remaining on scene with ground resources.
Fire personnel will work through the night to increase containment lines and mop-up hot spots. Final acreage will be releases once surveyed.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Good work ,thanks!