Evacuation Warning Issued as Hillside Wildfire Threatens Santa Barbara County Residents

Santa Barbara County issued an evacuation warning for residents in eastern Santa Barbara County due to a hillside wildfire that has rapidly spread across the area. The fire, which began around 12 p.m. southeast of New Cuyama near the intersection of Kirschenmenn Road and Foothill Road, has burned approximately 632 acres as of 4:41 p.m. on May 28, 2024.

According to Santa Barbara County Fire Department spokesperson Scott Safechuck, the fire is spreading at a "moderate rate" and is currently moving southward toward Los Padres National Forest. In response to the wildfire, four air tankers and two helicopters were dispatched to the scene around 1 p.m. to contain the blaze.

Evacuation Area

The evacuation warning affects residents in the areas south of Foothill Road from Castro Canyon to Santa Barbara Canyon. Authorities have urged residents in the warned areas to prepare for potential evacuation as the wildfire continues to pose a threat to the region.

For ongoing updates and instructions, residents are advised to monitor official sources and social media channels for the latest information regarding the wildfire and evacuation procedures.