UPDATE (3:05 p.m.) — Forward progress has been stopped.
Firefighters will remain on scene putting out hot spots and strengthening fire lines.
#Ballard Fire - UPDATE- IC reporting forward progress stopped at 2:15. Contributed images from the area, including aerial from Santa Barbara County Air Support Unit’s Fire Copter 308. pic.twitter.com/HjE27MRXZA
— SBCFireInfo (@EliasonMike) October 31, 2020
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UPDATE (2:05 p.m.) — Santa Barbara County firefighters said the Ballard Fire near Los Olivos has grown to 15-20 acres and has the potential to reach 30 acres.
Officials said the fire is threatening three structures.
First responders said they canceled the initial call for additional engines due to "good progress with structure defense."
#Ballard Fire - UPDATE- Ballard IC reports good progress with structure defense & has cancelled the immediate need request for additional engines. 2nd Alarm assignment requested to continue.
— SBCFireInfo (@EliasonMike) October 31, 2020
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ORIGINAL STORY (1:40 p.m.) — The Santa Barbara County Fire Department is responding to reports of a brush fire near Los Olivos that is threatening at least one structure Saturday afternoon.
The so-called Ballard Fire has burned between five to seven acres with a slow rate of spread, according to fire authorities.
Fire crews said Ballard Canyon Road near Tapadero Road will be closed to public access.
#Ballard Fire -UPDATE- Ballard IC is now calling for 2nd Alarm. Two fixed-wing tankers overhead shortly. Immediate need for 5 engines for structure protection.
— SBCFireInfo (@EliasonMike) October 31, 2020
The public information officer for the Santa Barbara County Fire Department said two helicopters and two fixed-wing tankers are also responding to the fire.
Officials said five fire engines are also on their way to the fire to protect nearby structures.
This is a developing story. Please check back later as more updates become available.
