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Gap Fire grows to 8,350 acres; now 24 percent contained

Staff report

Fire officials reported progress overnight in corralling the Gap Fire in the foothills and mountains above Goleta, and said they planned a renewed aerial push to quell the blaze that has been burning since Tuesday afternoon.

Acreage burned swelled to more than 8,350 acres, but the blaze is now 24 percent contained, according to Manuel Madrigal, a spokesman for the U.S. Forest Service.

“The fire didn’t do a whole lot during the night,” he said.

Although more than 3,200 homes are considered threatened by the fire, only some scattered outbuildings and a mobile home have been lost, Madrigal said.

Today’s attack with continue to be spearheaded from the air, Madrigal said, with 10 or more bombers dropping retardant and five helicopters.

The hot spots continue to be the northeast flank, which threatens mountain communities including Trout Club and Painted Cave, and the southwest in the area of Ellwood, Winchester and Tecolote canyons, Madrigal said.

Firefighters are especially concerned about keeping flames from jumping Highway 154 and moving east, Madrigal said. They also are working to secure fire lines on the north and south.

Madrigal said no estimate has been give of when the fire might be fully contained.

Residents of more than 3,200 home have been ordered to evacuate, and an evacuation center has been established at San Marcos High School at Turnpike Road and Hollister Avenue in Goleta.

The latest evacuation order, issued late Friday night, was for residents living north of Cathedral Oaks Road and Calle Real between Ellwood Canyon and Farren roads.

As of this morning, there were 1,186 personnel from dozens of agencies assigned to fight the fire, Madrigal said, adding that suppression costs have totaled $2.5 million.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was to be in Santa Barbara this morning to assess the situation, and a press conference was planned at Earl Warren Showgrounds, which is the command center for the blaze.