Two wildfires are continuing to burn on the Central Coast as hundreds of people evacuate.
The Whittier Fire, which is burning in the Santa Ynez Valley, has grown to 7,800 acres. It’s only 5% contained. Firefighters are especially concerned because it’s near hundreds of homes. Santa Barbara County Fire officials say some structures have been destroyed, but it’s not clear if any of those were homes. Mandatory evacuations were issued for homes as well as campgrounds. The brush fire broke out Saturday afternoon off of Highway 154, about 12 miles east of Solvang.
Another major wildfire continues to burn on the Central Coast. The Alamo Fire located in a remote area northeast of Santa Maria has grown to 24,000 acres. It’s still at 10% containment. The brush fire prompted evacuation orders for homes throughout the rural area. The fire is burning in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties. It has closed Highway 166 from Santa Maria to New Cuyama since it started Thursday afternoon.
The hot temperatures, low humidity and strong winds are making firefighting efforts for both fires difficult. The causes of each fire are under investigation.