Gaviota Brush Fire Contained After Threatening Cabins at El Capitan Ranch

Firefighters successfully contained a vegetation fire near El Capitan Ranch in Gaviota on Monday evening after it initially threatened local cabins and forced evacuations.

The fire was first reported at 5:10 p.m., burning approximately 1/4 acre with a slow rate of spread. Responders quickly identified a downed power line in the area as a possible contributing factor, though the exact cause remains under investigation.

Six cabins in the adjacent campground were immediately evacuated, with authorities issuing warnings for up to 20 additional cabins due to the fire’s proximity. Firefighters rapidly deployed a progressive hose lay, advancing around the perimeter in an effort to halt the fire’s spread.

Air and Ground Resources Mobilized

Significant aerial and ground resources responded to the fire, including Santa Barbara County Fire Department (SBCFD) personnel, CAL FIRE fixed-wing aircraft (air attack and two air tankers), and the U.S. Forest Service from Los Padres National Forest (LPF). Santa Barbara County Copter 3 performed water drops on the active flames, while ground crews reinforced containment lines.

Santa Barbara County Fire and air support resources were able to defend six cabins at the El Capitan Ranch and stop a two acre fire Monday afternoon. The cause is under investigation. A hot power line was down upon arrival. (Video – courtesy from an eyewitness) pic.twitter.com/isy2hmlCf4

— John Palminteri (@JohnPalminteri) July 15, 2025

Forward Progress Stopped

Responders confirmed that forward progress of the fire was successfully stopped at 6:28 p.m., with the fire burning a total of 2 acres. Evacuation warnings for the cabins were subsequently lifted, and no structures were damaged.

Crews remained on-site late into the evening for mop-up operations, extinguishing hot spots and working on improving containment lines to ensure the fire does not reignite.

No injuries were reported, and the swift coordination between multiple agencies was credited with minimizing the fire’s impact.