Even though the Cave Fire is winding down in the hills above Santa Barbara, Highway 154 remains closed in both directions and the California Highway Patrol says it could be a full week before the heavily-traveled road reopens.
The fire burned on both sides of the highway causing damage to the barriers along the roadway.
CHP says only people who live along the San Marcos Pass will be allowed to drive through.
“We lost quite a bit of guardrail, a substantial amount,” said CHP Lt. Brandon Lale. “A lot of that caught on fire as the fire came all the way down to the roadway and until those repairs are made and we can assure that the public will be safe as they are traversing the roadway, we cannot reopen it.”
Caltrans will be working through the Thanksgiving holiday to make repairs and reopen Highway 154 as soon as possible.
Until then, officers ask everyone to allow more time for holiday travel and plan alternate routes.
