Crews have been battling the Lookout Fire in Santa Barbara County. It started just before 8:00 am on Wednesday at Highway 154 and Painted Cave Road.
Three engine strike teams and hand crews worked the fire through the night with total of 150 personnel. There was no significant action during the night with no threat to the control line. Two firefighters were reported injured.
The biggest fear was that the wind could pick up in the afternoon, however mother nature cooperated and firefighters were able to get 45% containment on the fire around 2:00 pm Wednesday. Those evacuated were allowed to return to their homes at 5:00 pm Wednesday. No structure damage was reported. At one point, there were 300 first responders on the scene of the Lookout Fire.
As of 7:00 am today, the fire was reported at 75% containment, with 44 acres burned. The objective to today is to complete control lines, hold the fire, mop-up, and protect structures.
Containment is predicted at 6:00 pm on Friday. The weather today is expected to have winds of 15 to 20 mph out of the south with increasing coastal moisture resulting in an increase of relative humidity, temperatures are expected to be between 71 to 82 degrees, with a weather pattern very similar to yesterday.
Resources on the fire today are: 10 engines, 3 water tenders, 8 hand crews, 2 dozers, 7 helicopters, and 3 air tankers staged and available from Santa Maria Airport and a total of 290 personnel.
Painted Cave Road and East Camino Cielo Roads remain closed but are open to residents. Highway 154 is open but motorists are asked to use caution due to fire equipment operating in the area.
Although live downed power lines were found near where the fire started, the official cause is under investigation. Those power lines are still down in the fire area, however they are not energized.