Brush Fire Caused by Catalytic Converter Burns 2-3 Acres in Buellton
Fire Crews Extinguish Blaze Within Two Hours, One Structure Threatened but No Damage Reported
A brush fire reportedly started by a catalytic converter burned two to three acres today off Highway 101 just south of Buellton, according to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department. Fire crews responded around 12:30 p.m. and were able to stop any further threat before 2 p.m.
County Fire spokesperson Captain Scott Safechuck said that fire investigators found evidence of “catalytic converter material” that spewed from a vehicle in the right-hand lane onto the dry brush by the side of the highway. “This is not uncommon at all,” Safechuck told the Independent.
He credited a quick coordinated response between Santa Barbara County Fire, Cal Fire, and the U.S. Forest Services, which tackled the fire with dozers, air support, and ground crews. “With moisture being so low,” he said, “it really takes an effort from all of us and our counterparts.”
