Flame retardant dropped by air tankers stopped the fast-moving Olive Fire in its tracks.
Paul Wellman
Crews mop up after the Olive Fire in the Santa Ynez Valley
Chris Meagher

[UPDATE]: The Olive Fire has been put out, said Indy reporter Chris Meagher who is on the scene. It reached a maximum of approximately 170 acres but no homes were damaged or destroyed by the fast-moving blaze. Fire crews were pulled off the White Fire in response, including helicopters and air tankers. One Monterey firefighter who was working in San Diego this morning before being shuttled north to battle the White Fire – and was then assigned to the Olive Fire – said the effort was “a pretty good stop.” Highway 246 is back open. Winds are still high, so crews remain on the scene to monitor hot spots.

[UPDATE]: The fire has jumped to 170 acres and strong winds are pushing it northeast. Approximately 50 homes are currently threatened and evacuation orders are in place.

[UPDATE]: The new fire — being called the Olive Fire — has crossed Highway 246 and appears to be growing, pushed by high winds in the area. Highway 154 is closed at Armour Ranch Road. Four air tankers and four helicopters have been ordered, said Capt. David Sadecki with County Fire, and numerous resources have been diverted from fighting the White Fire. The fire’s cause remains under investigation, Sadecki said.

[ORIGINAL REPORT]: A small brush fire has broken out in the Santa Ynez Valley near Highway 246 and Meadowvale Road. Capt. David Sadecki said the grass fire, which was called in at 3:23 p.m., is around two acres in size. One helicopter was on-scene dumping water, and another had been requested. Several engines were responding as well, Sadecki said. The intersection of Highways 154 and 246 has been closed.

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