Santa Barbara, United States - October 23, 2024

Dramatic footage from the initial response captures aircraft battling a 64-acre vegetation fire that erupted on October 23 near Hwy 246 in Santa Barbara, California.

The blaze, sparked as seven separate spot fires, triggered a 2nd alarm response, with air attack, two air-tankers, and helicopters deployed.

Despite the aggressive flames, no structures were threatened, though drifting smoke affected visibility in the area, prompting officials to urge caution for drivers.

During the firefight, an elderly woman was injured when her vehicle collided with a parked fire engine along westbound Hwy 246. She was transported to SY Cottage Hospital, while firefighters emerged unscathed.

The fire’s forward progress was halted by 6:29 p.m., with crews continuing to reinforce containment lines. The cause remains under investigation, and firefighters will work overnight to extinguish remaining hot spots. Hwy 246 is open, though westbound traffic is limited to one lane.