More Areas Now Off-Limits Due to Zaca Fire
Officials Close Roads, Parks for Public Safety
As the wildfire continues to rage in Santa Barbara’s back country, the Forest Service has restricted access to several areas in order to ensure the public’s safety. Those currently off-limits include the entire San Rafael Wilderness as well as lands between Highway 166 and Buckhorn Road, totaling 302,000 acres. Also closed are Cachuma and Figueroa campgrounds, the South Fork La Brea area, Happy Canyon Road to the east of Baseline Road, Figueroa Mountain Road east of Highway 154.
Those driving along Highway 154 are advised to watch out for firefighters and their equipment and vehicles.
Around 6 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon, an additional blaze erupted south of the Los Alamos exit on the northbound 101. Some fire crews temporarily left the Zaca Fire to contain this new one, which burnt about six aces before being extinguished.
As of 8 a.m. today, officials estimate that the Zaca Fire is 37 percent contained. Currently, 2,059 people are working to contain the fire. The fight has so far cost approximately $10.2 million.
