Fire officials said Saturday evening the Holiday Fire in Goleta has burned 100 acres, reached 80 percent containment, and they expect to lift some of the mandatory evacuations by 5 p.m. Saturday.
About 2,500 people were evacuated Friday night when the fire broke out on the 1500 block of Holiday Hill just after 8:30 p.m.
Fire crews attribute the new details to organized fire fighting and preparedness. Officials say a strike team was on scene within 30 minutes of the fire starting.
Some of the mandatory evacuation zones have been downgraded to an evacuation warning. Residents can return home beginning at 5 p.m. in the following areas:
- La Patera Lane
- Carlo Drive
- Santa Margarita Drive
- Hidden Lane
- Cambridge Drive
- Dorado Drive
- N. Kellogg Avenue
- Avenida Pequena
- N. Patterson Avenue
Residents in those warning zones have to take note that they are still under a warning, and need to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
Other mandatory evacuation orders are still in effect. Those places are neighborhoods from North Fairview, north of the intersection of North La Goleta, and the following roads:
- Sunset Ridge Road
- Franklin Ranch Road
- North parts of La Goleta Road
- North Fairview, north of La Goleta Road
- El Camino Ratel
- Holiday Hill Road
- Villa Lemora
- Questa Verde
- Edwards Place
An exact number of structures or homes lost in the fire was not available, however, fire officials say it is more than 20.
"Our hearts go out to those who did lose their homes; we know it’s a very hard time for them," said sheriff Bill Brown.
About 500 fire personnel are working on the fire.
There have been no reports of fatalities or missing persons. It is unknown if any injuries were reported at this time.
This story will be updated.
