Road Closure and Precautionary Evacuations Ordered

Fire crews from the Los Padres National Forest, Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles County continue to battle the Zaca fire which to date has consumed 188,035 acres.

The Zaca fire broke out in the Los Padres National Forest near Santa Barbara on July 4th. Currently, the fire is 75 percent contained with full containment expected by September 7th.

On the northeast perimeter, the fire is burning three miles west of Highway 33. The Ventura County Sheriff's Office has issued a precautionary evacuation for residents along the west side of Highway 33 from the Ventura/Santa Barbara County Line to Pine Mountain Summit.

Today, Highway 33 between Ventucopa and Wheeler Gorge will close to all traffic, including residents. Fire crews will conduct a backfire operation today along Highway 33 from the Pine Mountain Road to Ozena in the Frazier Park area to stop the fire from spreading.

The Zaca Fire closure in the Los Padres National Forest has been expanded to include additional lands in Santa Barbara, Ventura and Kern Counties. The expanded closure now encompasses approximately 888,000 acres.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency for Ventura County. The move clears the way for state government assistance with costs related to the fire.

To date, the cost of fighting this fire is $85 million.

For additional information on evacuations, please call (805) 961-5770.