Waning winds presented firefighters with new challenges fighting a fire in Southern California’s coastal mountains, which threatening ranches and rural homes and bringing a critical highway to a standstill for days on end.
At one point the fire was jumping across the four-lane interstate and reaching a beach.
The National Weather Service said a new round of notorious sundowner winds would begin Tuesday, affecting southern Santa Barbara County, and increased fire risk was expected across other parts of California.
Ranch workers told me the fire was about half a mile away on Wednesday night, but that part of the fire was not as active as others, said Jessica Jensen, vice president and chief of staff for Young America’s Foundation, which runs the ranch.
The Alisal Fire has charred more than 15.360 acres (24 square kilometers) of Chaparral in the Santa Ynez Mountains west of Santa Barbara.
The fire broke out Monday near the Alisal Reservoir, and strong northerly winds carried flames down the mountain, forcing the closing of US 101 in western Santa Barbara County.
California wildfires have burned nearly 3.800 square miles (3.900 square kilometres) this year, destroying more than 3.600 homes, businesses and other areas, according to the state Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Red flag warnings should be in place for inland Northern California Thursday due to gusts and low humidity.
#Alisal Fire – UPDATE- 7 a.m. briefing held at ICP/Earl Warren Showgrounds. 14,500 acres, 5% contained. 1,300 personnel assigned with more on the way. Hoping for favorable winds for fixed-wing aircraft to engage. Photos by Christina Favuzzi/MFD pic.twitter.com/81IA8b1HsY
— SBCFireInfo (@EliasonMike) October 13, 2021
