Edhat Staff
Update by the edhat staff
7:30 p.m., June 17, 2025
Firefighters responded to two separate vegetation fires along Highway 101 on Tuesday, each presenting unique challenges but earning successful containment thanks to prompt action and coordinated efforts.
First Fire: Tajiguas Landfill Road
At approximately 2:50 PM, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department was alerted to a vegetation fire near the Highway 101 at Vista Point and Tajiguas Landfill Road on the Gaviota Coast.
Upon arrival, first alarm fire protocols were enacted for an initial blaze covering about one acre. Strong winds posed a significant hazard, propelling the fire toward the ocean, devoid of any immediate threats to structures.
Due to the fire’s location in steep terrain, firefighters deployed hose lines and hand crews to flank the blaze. The efforts were bolstered by additional support from CAL FIRE on-site. As a precautionary measure, the railroad near the fire’s vicinity was closed as Highway 101 was shut down for a period of time.
After several hours of intense work, forward progress of the fire was successfully halted by 7:00 PM. The affected area had grown slightly to approximately 1.5 acres. Firefighters continued to handle mop-up operations, meticulously extinguishing hotspots to prevent re-ignition. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Second Fire: Near Mariposa Reina
The second fire emerged near Mariposa Reina just after 4:19 PM, reported initially as a center divider fire on Highway 101 that had spread to the beach side vegetation. This incident led to heavy traffic in the area, prompting resources to quickly converge on the scene and the Highway to be temporarily shut down.
By 6:00 PM, the vegetation fire had expanded to cover around 5 acres. The response involved Santa Barbara County Fire Department, Los Padres National Forest Service (LPF), and CAL FIRE, employing both fixed-wing and rotary aircraft to assist ground personnel in establishing perimeter control.
At 6:27 PM, the fire’s forward momentum was effectively stopped, with the affected area now estimated at approximately 30 acres.
The situation necessitated the closure of southbound Highway 101, while the northbound lanes were reduced to one open lane to accommodate emergency vehicles. Firefighters implemented fire hoses around the perimeter of the blaze, working diligently late into the night to mop up hotspots.
The cause of the second fire is similarly under investigation.
All lanes of Highway 101 in the area were reopened as of 10:00 p.m. Tuesday.
Vegetation Fire at Mariposa Reina Update: Fire estimated at 5 acres. SBC, LPF, and Cal Fire on scene. Fixed wing and rotary aircraft, assisting ground personnel with perimeter control. pic.twitter.com/vBEtXhqt78
— Scott Safechuck (@SBCFireInfo) June 18, 2025
Safety Notices
Drivers are urged to exercise caution when traveling through these affected areas, making way for fire personnel along Highway 101 who continue their crucial work. The swift response of the firefighting teams has been pivotal in preventing these fires from escalating further, despite challenging conditions.
The Santa Barbara County Fire Department’s efforts, in collaboration with CAL FIRE and LPF, highlight the resilience and dedication of the crews battling flames in tough terrains and under windy conditions. The ongoing investigations aim to uncover the causes behind these incidents and reinforce preventative measures.
Safety Message: Hwy 101 Gaviota Coast: Firefighters will continue mop-up hot spots along Hwy 101 from Tajiguas to Mariposa Reina throughout the night. Please drive with caution and stay clear of roadside fire apparatus and personnel. pic.twitter.com/am01228nXs
— Scott Safechuck (@SBCFireInfo) June 18, 2025
Brush Fires Along Highway 101 in Gaviota, Highway Closed
Reported by BobScan
4:30 p.m., June 17, 2025
There are two reported fires along Highway 101 in the Gaviota area.
At 4:17pm CHP reports a fire off northbound lanes near Mariposa Reina.
Reporting party states the fire is in the center divider and was seen near a bicyclist in the area. A driver called in to say the wind was so strong the flames may have touched his car.
All southbound lanes are currently stopped as the fire moved toward the southbound area. Heavy traffic, avoid the area.
CHP reports an additional fire between Mariposa and Gaviota which has shut down southbound Highway 101 lanes from SR-1.
Stay out of the area. CHP is estimating the Highway will be closed in both directions for at least an hour.
Thanks for the reports!
Always suspicious of fires along the highway on that stretch from Goleta all the way to Buellton. Open land, windy conditions.
If we have a firebug roaming around, s/he needs to be caught asap before they start a conflagration. I doubt if they will stay content at starting fires near the ocean. Police fire crackers, too. Some people don’t have the sense God gavew geese!
There was just another one by Tajiguas.
Multiple cigarette butt droppers, multiple trailers dragging chains, or an arsonist.