Investigators say an effort to prevent a brush fire on the Central Coast actually sparked one.
The Caballo Fire threatened homes and ranches, and charred nearly 70 acres of land northeast of Los Olivos September 6. No homes were destroyed, but a barn was heavily damaged.
Santa Barbara County Fire investigators say the blaze was sparked by someone using a propane torch to clear weeds and brush. Flames from the operation spread to nearby brush, and quickly mushroomed out of control. Firefighters had to use air tankers, and helicopters to get control of the fire.
Investigators say a permit is required for the use of torches in high wildfire risk areas. They say in the case of the Caballo Fire, the operator didn’t have one.
