A brush fire in Santa Barbara County mushroomed to 1100 acres overnight, and closed Highway 101 from just west of Goleta to Buellton.
The Sherpa fire started in the Refugio Canyon area at around 3:30 yesterday afternoon, forcing some evacuations. Firefighters were able to slow the spread of the blaze during the afternoon, and early evening hours using helicopter and air tanker drops, but it grew overnight when the aircraft were grounded due to darkness.
A mandatory evacuation order was issued for Refugio Canyon, Venadito Canyon, and Las Flores Canyon. Fortunately, the area is sparsely populated. State campgrounds in the area have also been closed.
Evacuation centers were opened at the Wake Center in Goleta, and Santa Ynez High School. A livestock evacuation center was set up at the Earl Warren Showgrounds. The fire is in rugged terrain which is difficult for firefighters to reach on foot, and in spots where chaparral hasn't burned for years. There’s no word yet on possible containment.
