Santa Barbara County

Fire Near Gaviota, El Capitan Grown to More than 400 Acres

A wind-driven fire burning near Gaviota in Santa Barbara County prompted closures of Highway 101 and the evacuation of the coastal El Capitan campground Thursday afternoon.

The Real Fire was reported around 4:30 p.m. and appeared to be burning toward the ocean.

By 10 p.m., the fire had grown to 443 acres and was 20 percent contained, according to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

California Highway Patrol shut down Highway 101 in the area and Amtrak and Union Pacific Railroad both stopped service around 6 p.m.

One lane was reopened in each direction by 8 p.m., and Union Pacific had resumed operations.

Residents along the coastal area between Dos Pueblos Canyon and Gaviota were being ordered to evacuate as well, according to the Santa Barbara Sheriff's Office.

The next update from officials is expected Friday morning.

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