A wildfire started in western Ventura County near the Lake Casitas Recreation Area Monday afternoon, and smoke from the blaze was visible from Santa Barbara County.
The Ventura County Fire Department reported the fire had burned about 188 acres before halting the progress of the flames.
Firefighters and aircraft, including tankers and water-dropping helicopters, were dispatched to the scene of what was dubbed the Casitas Fire.
Santa Barbara County-area fire departments sent crews as mutual aid, including the Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District, according to Ventura County.
Evacuation orders for the area were lifted Monday night, and authorities also ended a road closure at Highway 150 and the county line.
The Ventura County Fire Department said there were “sporadic homes with livestock in the area,” and that firefighters were defending structures in the first few hours of the blaze.
Visit vcemergency.com for more information about the Casitas Fire.
Click here to check local air quality, and read this story to learn more about staying safe from harmful wildfire smoke.
Red Flag Warning, Possible Power Shutoffs for Southern Santa Barbara County
Hot, windy weather prompted the National Weather Service to issue a Red Flag Warning for southern Santa Barbara County, which will be in effect from 6 p.m. Monday until 6 a.m. Wednesday.
“A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can create extreme fire behavior,” Santa Barbara County Fire Capt. Daniel Bertucelli said Monday.
“Winds are predicted to be from the north 20 mph to 30 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph. Strongest winds will occur during the evening and overnight hours through and below passes along the Santa Ynez (mountain) range,” he said.
“If fire ignition occurs, conditions will be favorable for extreme fire behavior and rapid fire spread, which could threaten life and property.”
Local fire departments and the National Weather Service advised residents to stay aware of weather conditions, report any sign of smoke by calling 9-1-1, avoid activities that could cause sparks or start a wildfire, and to have an evacuation plan in place, including two routes out of your neighborhood.
Bertucelli also said people should avoid hiking and other frontcountry trail activities while the Red Flag Warning is in effect.
.@NWSLosAngeles says strong sundowners are expected to develop across the foothills & mountains of southern Santa Barbara County Monday night into Tuesday night. The potential for widespread critical fire weather conditions is forecast to be most severe Tuesday into Tuesday night https://t.co/572g97Xq64
— Montecito Fire (@montecitofire) June 14, 2021
The Montecito Fire Protection District and county Search and Rescue team responded to Hot Springs Trail Monday evening to help a hiker suffering heat exhaustion, according to Montecito Fire.
Southern California Edison may shut off power for some Santa Barbara County customers for weather-related reasons, and community resource centers will open Monday night, according to the county Office of Emergency Management.
Read more here about the possible public safety power shutoff areas.
Parts of #SantaBarbaraCounty remain in scope for a potential #PSPS. @SCE will open a Community Resource Center for impacted customers on Tues 6/15 8am-10pm at these locations:
��Independent Living Resource Center – 423 W. Victoria, SB
��Residence Inn – 6350 Hollister Ave, Goleta https://t.co/xmYdTbUivx— SBCountyOEM (@SBCountyOEM) June 14, 2021
— Noozhawk managing editor Giana Magnoli can be reached at gmagnoli@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.