US: Cave Fire prompts evacuations in Santa Barbara County (California state) November 26

Event

Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for residents of Santa Barbara County (California state) as of Tuesday, November 26, following the outbreak of the Cave Fire on the afternoon (local time) of Monday, November 25. As of Tuesday morning, the fire has burned 4100 acres (1660 hectares) and is 0 percent contained. A local emergency has been declared as the fire approaches the cities of Santa Barbara and Goleta. According to officials, no injuries have been reported, and no homes have been destroyed thus far. Over 600 firefighters have been deployed to combat the blaze.

Further spread of the fires is expected in the coming hours and days. A heightened security presence, road closures, and power outages are to be expected in the vicinity of the wildfires and evacuation zones.

Advice

Individuals in Santa Barbara County are advised to monitor developments to the situation, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities (e.g. evacuation notices, road closures), and exercise caution when traveling near the wildfire. Children and those with respiratory illness are advised to limit outdoor activity.