Fire Officials Declare Gap Fire Contained

After nearly a month of burning, the Gap Fire, consumed burned 9,443 acres and for a time threatened to engulf Goleta and other well-inhabited communities, was declared fully contained on Monday, July 28, by fire officials.

The fire began July 1 in the Lizard’s Mouth area along West Camino Cielo, believed to be human-caused. It destroyed four buildings and one trailer that was being used as a home. The County Agricultural Commission estimates that the fire also consumed 200 acres of avocado trees – a loss of $9.5 million that will take several years to replace. According to fire officials, smoke will occasionally be seen from within the perimeter of the fire, and the area will still be monitored by personnel, but the Gap Fire is as good as gone.

West Camino Cielo will remain closed just west of Winchester Gun Club to just east of Broadcast Peak until further notice.