Edhat Staff
By the edhat staff
Highway 166 has reopened to traffic after being closed for several hours due to a road fire that rapidly spread and burned approximately 17 acres near New Cuyama.
The swift response from several area firefighting agencies helped contain the blaze, which threatened the nearby vegetation and posed potential risks to drivers on the highway.
The fire was first reported on Wednesday afternoon, around 12:45 p.m. near the intersection of Highway 166 and Hudson Ranch Road, with strong winds fanning the flames. The Santa Barbara County Fire Department, with mutual aid from the U.S. Forest Service and the Ventura County and Kern County fire departments, moved quickly to respond.
With the help of air tankers, helicopters, and ground crews, the fire was quickly contained, and crews were able to fully extinguish it by the early evening, around 6:00 p.m. No injuries or reports of property damage were reported.
After assessing the situation, highway officials decided to close Highway 166 to allow for the safe movement of firefighting equipment and to prevent exposure to the flames for passing motorists. However, after the blaze was under control, the road was reopened around 9:00 p.m.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but recent dry and windy conditions have led to an increased risk of wildfires. Officials have warned the public to remain extra vigilant during the current fire season and to be aware of any fire-related hazards.
The successful containment and extinguishing of the road fire indicate the efforts of the local firefighting agencies as well as the importance of preparation and cooperation at the community, local, state, and federal levels.
View edhat’s scanner reporter who covered the fire as it unfolded here.
New Start – Road Fire
Location: Six miles east of Rockfront Ranch on the south side of Hwy 166. 20 acres at present, burning in grass and moving into the brush. Resources on scene from Los Padres NF, SB Co Fire, and Cal Fire.
Photo credit: Santa Barbara Co. ASU pic.twitter.com/GKTqF3Xz71— Los Padres NF (@LosPadresNF) September 15, 2023
