Ray Ford

Note use of back firing techniques used here on Alexander Saddle. Firefighters have initiated a burn on the back side of the saddle to develop a primary column that will be used to draw fire set on the front edge of the ridge towards it. As the new fire is set and begins to build its own column (flames and smoke to the left), because the main plume is large enough in size it gradually sucks the column on the left towards it.

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Last Updated: August 11, 2007 7:30 am

Date/Time Started: July 4, 2007 10:53 am

Administrative Unit: Los Padres National Forest / Santa Barbara County Fire

County: Santa Barbara

Location: 15 miles NE of Buellton

Acres Burned: 81,795 acres

Containment: 68% contained - 81,795 acres. Full containment expected on September 7, 2007.

Structures Destroyed: 1 outbuilding destroyed

Threatened: 483 homes and 112 outbuildings threatened

Evacuations: Please call 805-961-5770 for current information on evacuations.

Cause: Human

Cooperating Agencies: Santa Barbara County Fire, Los Angeles County Fire, Ventura County Fire, California Highway Patrol, American Red Cross

Total Fire Personnel: 2,912 (714 CAL FIRE)

Fire crews: 70 (29 CAL FIRE)

Engines: 193 (5 CAL FIRE)

Airtankers: 4

Helicopters: 32 (4 CAL FIRE)

Dozers: 29 (6 CAL FIRE)

Water tenders: 66

Costs to date: $61.4 million

Major Incident Command Team: Unified Command

Conditions: Fire remains in steep, rocky terrain with poor access, making direct fire attack very difficult. The weather prediction for the next 3 days is for very low relative humidity, high temperatures, and a minimal marine layer. Down Canyon winds are predicted for each evening. The fire is well established in the Indian Creek drainage and positioned for large fire growth due to favorable alignment of wind and topography during the day.

The opening of the 154 hwy in conjunction with the anticipated heavy weekend traffic is a concern for firefighter and public safety; however speed and lane restrictions are in place to help mitigate the risk. An evacuation order remains in effect for the Paradise Road and the Santa Ynez River Recreation Area; however the evacuation order for the Community of Peachtree has been lifted.

PLEASE CALL 805-961-5770 FOR THE MOST CURRENT EVACUATION AND FIRE INFORMATION.

Phone Numbers (805) 961-5770 (Zaca Fire Information)

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