Whittier Fire

A view of the flames from Goleta on July 14, 2017.

The fire, which was first reported at 1:45 p.m. on Saturday, July 7, began burning in the Los Padres National Forest in chaparral that hadn't burned in approximately 70 years, according to officials.[1][3] Reportedly ignited by a vehicle fire, flames jumped Highway 154 and proceed in a southeast direction towards the Santa Ynez Mountains. Eighty people, including mostly children, at Circle V Ranch Camp near Lake Cachuma were forced to shelter in place as when it became too late to evacuate. No campers or staff were injured.[3] Throughout the course of the day, the fire had expanded from 330 to over 5,400 acres (22 km²) as containment sat at zero-percent.[4] Firefighters set up a command center at Dos Pueblos High School.[5]

On the morning of July 9, the fire had burned 7,800 acres and was at 5% containment. Residents along Farren Road inside and west of Goleta were evacuated.[6] 20 structures were destroyed, and a lot of evacuation was done along Highway 154.[7]

In the afternoon on July 9, the fire burned down the Rancho Alegre Outdoor School.[8] The fire remained "completely out of control", and sections of Highway 101 received evacuation warnings.[9] Later that day, it was reported that over 3,600 people had evacuated as a result of the Whittier Fire.[10]

On the morning of July 10, the fire had burned 10,823 acres and was still at 5% containment.[11]

On the morning of July 12, the fire had burned 11,920 acres and was at 48% containment.[12]

As of the evening of July 14, the fire was at 52% containment and had burned 13,199 acres. Due to changing weather conditions, the fire spread westward.[13]

On July 15, containment had dropped to 35% as the fire was pushed down the mountainside toward Goleta due to sundowner winds. It had burned 17,364 acres.[14]

On July 17, containment was at 49% and the fire had burned 18,311 acres.[15]

As of September 12, the fire is still not fully contained. It is stuck at 87% containment due to possible hot spots and reports of smoke.[16]

The fire was finally contained on October 5. Infrared survey 3 days prior to containment revealed some lingering heat sources, but they are located inside the containment line so the risk of further spread is minimal.[17]

In total, 16 homes and 30 outbuildings were destroyed. One home and six outbuildings were damaged.[1]

• 
  Smoke from the fire covers the sky over Goleta on July 8, 2017.
• 
  A helicopter leaving the Whittier Fire, July 11, 2017.
• 
  Smoke cloud seen from Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara, July 14, 2017.
• 
  An area the Whittier Fire had burned, July 17, 2017.