Zaca Fire 2007
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County Gears Up for Rain
First Rainfall in Back Country Since Zaca Fire
First rainfall in back country since Zaca Fire. Read story.
Zaca Fire — Controlled or Contained?
Forest Service Explains Difference Between Fire Classifications
The Forest Service explains "contained" and "controlled." Read story.
Zaca Fire Impacts Will Linger for Years
The Sleeping Giant
It’s been less than two months since flames raced through the Santa Barbara backcountry, burning more than 240,000 acres in a fire that took nearly two months and more than $120 million to put out. For a blaze that turned out to be historic in proportions — it was the county’s largest and the state’s second largest, at least in recorded history — it is remarkable how quickly the Zaca Fire has faded from our consciousness. Read story.
Forest Closure to be Reduced
Some parts of the forest will be re-opened for recreation but much of it will stay closed
Though it will be good news to those who want to get back out into Los Padres Forest, many will be disappointed at how little access will be allowed. What has been a summer-long closure of most of the Santa Barbara backcountry may extend thoughout the winter. Read story.
Zaca Fire Arraignment Delayed
DA Adds Fifth Felony Count
The ranch hands accused of starting the Zaca Fire showed up in court Thursday, but their arraignment was pushed back until October 15. Read story.
Charges Filed in Zaca Fire
Workers, Ranch Face Prosecution for Zaca Blaze
Two ranch workers are being criminally prosecuted for starting the Zaca Fire while trying to fix a pipe leading to a watering trough. Jose Jesus Cabrera, 38, of Santa Ynez, and Santiago Iniguez Cervantes, 46, of Santa Maria were charged on August 31 with four felony counts of “recklessly causing a fire” — one count each for three of the many workers injured fighting the blaze, plus one for the burned forest. Read story.
Zaca Fire Update
Last Updated: August 28, 2007 7:00 am. Containment: 95% contained - 240,207 acres
Last Updated: August 28, 2007 7:00 am. Containment: 95% contained - 240,207 acres Read story.
Fire Fighters Make Great Progress on Zaca Fireline
Sisquoc Line Almost Complete; Highway 33 Backfiring Gets Exciting
The backfire operations along Highway 33 provided fire fighters with lots of drama and plenty of fireworks. Read story.
Romero Canyon Single Track Receives a Facelift
Multi-Use Track May Follow
In an on again, off again saga, the Romero Canyon Single Track Trail was finally bulldozed all of the way through yesterday. It seemed as if each day would bring a new change in plan with dozers being pulled out one day, brought back in the next and then finally called off on the 3rd. Read story.
Zaca Fire May Be In Final Stages
Two Areas Left to Contain
With final containment achieved on the Live Oak side of the fire, 58 days after it began and more than 20 air miles away, fire officials turned their attention to the Richardson Zone. Read story.
Zaca Fire May Be Contained Behind Santa Barbara Today
Hot Shots Help Avoid the Final Backfire
At this morning’s briefing, operations leaders pointed to the large map behind them to emphasize how close the Live Oak team was to finishing the final line around the fire in the Pendola area. Read story.
Firefighters To Burn The Final Piece
With Favorable Winds, Pendola Area Will Be Backfired
Firefighters were busy yesterday burning out the upper sections of Agua Caliente and Diablo Canyons. The hope had been to start from Pendola Jeepway, but these plans were dashed when the winds weren't right. Read story.
Showdown on Pendola Jeepway Delayed a Day
Winds not right for burn on areas threatened by Zaca Fire
Although today was billed as the day Santa Barbara could breathe easy as the fire danger was over, cross winds made it impossible to light the fire on the lower part of Pendola Jeepway. Read story.
Zaca Fire One Dogleg Short of Containment
Fire Fighters Will Back Fire Last Remaining Section Today
Yesterday afternoon, to the relief of many down in Santa Barbara who feared the fire had escaped containment lines, fire fighters pulled off one of the finest back fire operations ever performed. Read story.
Successful Backfire Strategy Cools Zaca Fire
What lies behind those tremendous smoke plumes
The backfiring operation was put into action when, yesterday [August 17], the fire became established on the southern flank in both Agua Caliente and Diablo Canyons and an increased threat to our densely populated areas. Tonight officials from the incident command post said today’s back firing strategies went according to plan. Read story.
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