Sherpa Fire grows to 4,000 acres in Santa Barbara County
The Sherpa Fire in Santa Barbara County more than doubled in size overnight, scorching 4,000 acres as the blaze continued to burn Friday. (KABC)
By Marc Cota-Robles and ABC7.com staff
Updated 25 mins ago
GAVIOTA, Calif. (KABC) -- The Sherpa Fire in Santa Barbara County spread to 4,000 acres, officials said, as the blaze continued to burn Friday.
The Los Padres National Forest division of the U.S. Forest Service posted on twitter Friday morning saying the fire had scorched 4,000 acres and was at 5 percent containment.
Firefighters worked through the night to battle the flames whipped up by sundowner winds, which reached upwards of 35 mph. This allowed the fire to explode in acreage.
Fire officials said one out-building was destroyed by flames overnight.
Approximately 1,230 fire personnel are assigned to the blaze. No injuries have been reported.
The winds and temperatures decreased Friday morning and afternoon, giving firefighters a chance to make some progress during the day. However, authorities say the winds are expected to pick up strength in the evening, and the blaze will likely get even larger.
"We back out a little bit and see where we can hold those lines, anticipate where that fire is going to go. It's very dangerous in those sort of situations with the sundowner winds to put firefighters directly in front of the fire," said Amber Anderson with Santa Barbara City Fire, adding that they're trying to protect property and keep firefighters safe at the same time.
The blaze broke out Wednesday afternoon and quickly spread from 50 acres to 1,100 by Thursday morning. The Sherpa Fire has prompted mandatory evacuations of roughly 400 homes and ranches in the area. Authorities said 270 structures are under threat from the blaze.
Twice on Thursday the Sherpa Fire also caused the closure of the 101 Freeway in both directions along the Gaviota coast between Buellton and Goleta. It was reopened shortly before 5 a.m. Friday.
The area surrounding the blaze is remote, but there are homes and ranches, including the Circle Bar B Ranch. Fire crews are surrounding the ranch just in case the winds shift. More than a dozen guests and 45 horses were evacuated.
This canyon has not burned like this since the massive Refugio fire back in 1955.
Strong winds and steep and rugged terrain have made the firefight difficult for crews battling the blaze. At one point, the fire jumped over the center divider of the 101 Freeway due to the strong winds.
Eight air tankers, three heavy heli-tankers and medium helicopters and ground crews continue to stop the spread of the fire.
The American Red Cross has set up two shelters for evacuees at Santa Ynez Union High School at 2975 E. Highway 246; Wake Center at 300 N. Turnpike Rd.; and Goleta Valley Community Center at 5679 Hollister Ave.
Residents who need assistance with animals should call (805) 681-4332. Shelter for large animals is available at Earl Warren Showgrounds at 3400 Calle Real.