United States - August 21, 2024

The Refugio Fire, which ignited late August 21st night in Refugio Canyon on the Gaviota Coast, has now scorched 86 acres of vegetation, with containment efforts still at 0%. Despite a decrease in wind activity which has momentarily subdued the fire's intensity, the situation remains volatile due to the "dirty" burn pattern, indicating significant unburned fuel within the fire's perimeter.

Fire officials reported that as temperatures rise throughout the day, there's a heightened risk of increased fire activity. The fire, located on the east side of Refugio Road near the 1400 block, has prompted evacuation warnings for residents between the 1300 to 1500 blocks of Refugio Road. This precaution is in response to the fire's potential to spread, especially under the influence of down-canyon winds and cooler temperatures that have been experienced overnight.

Crews from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Santa Barbara County Fire Department, Montecito Fire Protection District, and Vandenberg Fire Department are actively engaged in combating the blaze. The rugged terrain has posed challenges in accessing and containing the fire, with night-flying firefighting helicopters being deployed for water drops to manage the flames.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office has advised residents under evacuation warnings to prepare to leave at a moment's notice, packing essential belongings and being ready for a potential escalation to an evacuation order. This proactive measure aims to ensure the safety of residents in what has been described as a rapidly evolving situation.