Whittier Fire HD

Whittier Fire Morning Update for July 13, 2017 Incident: Whittier Fire Wildfire Released: 22 hrs. ago Related Information Whittier Fire Morning Update July 13 (pdf 174 kb) July 13, 2017 8:00 a.m. Start Date: July 8, 2017 Cause: Under Investigation Size: 12,263 acres Containment: 48% Personnel: 1,101 Structures burned: 8 residences, 12 outbuildings Location: The Santa Ynez Mountains on both sides of State Highway 154 in the area of Lake Cachuma. Current Situation: Fire activity picked up a last night, especially in higher elevations on the east and west flanks of the fire. Last night crews took advantage of the cooler temperatures and used direct attack techniques to continue building a line around the fire. An active area near Santa Ynez Peak burned 400 acres, night flight aircraft were used to cool this area and other active areas of the fire. Today’s weather is expected to transition to warmer, dryer conditions. The marine layer will clear warming the area and lowering the relative humidity. A major concern are the forecasted Sundowner winds that could begin Friday evening. The southern edge of the fire above Goleta will see increased air tanker activity today as they continue to apply fire retardant in anticipation of Friday’s forecasted Sundowners. Caltrans and PG&E are working on repairing the highway and the electrical power infrastructure along highway 154. Two firefighters were injured yesterday, one was from a fall and the other suffered a heat related injury, both are back working on the line. Fire Behavior: The marine influence with high humidity is expected to clear brining higher temperatures and lower relative humidity to the area. Expect an increase in fire activity as the day progresses. East and west edges of the fire are expected to experience an increase in fire activity. The Southern fire perimeter continues to be held by cool onshore winds. Fire Weather: Wind: Light and Variable Temp: 87‐93 Humidity: 27‐32% Closure: Highway 154 is closed from Highway 246 to Foothill Road. Mandatory Evacuations: Highway 154 from Armour Ranch (west side) to Paradise Road (east side), West Camino Cielo at Highway 154 to Winchester Gun Club, Kinevan Road. Evacuation Warning: Las Varas Canyon east to Winchester Canyon and from Highway 101 north to West Camino Cielo, Paradise Road from Highway 154 to the first river crossing, Farren Road. Evacuation Shelters: The American Red Cross has opened evacuation shelters at San Marcos High School, 4750 Hollister Ave., Goleta. The Santa Ynez shelter is prepared to open if necessary. For animal evacuation questions and offers of assistance, call the Animal Services hotline at (805) 681‐4332. The Santa Barbara Humane Society, 5399 Overpass Road, Santa Barbara, is available to assist evacuees with small animals. Values to be Protected: Commercial and residential structures, agricultural properties, SCE distribution lines, communications infrastructure, cultural archeological sites. Smoke: Smoke from the Whitti