Man arrested for starting Ridge Fire, evacuation warning issued

Editor's Note: For the latest on the Ridge Fire, visit this updated web article.

UPDATE (4:05 p.m.) - In a post on X, Santa Barbara County Fire PIO Scott Safechuck reports that SBCF investigators arrested an adult male on suspicion of starting the Ridge Fire.

Safechuck says the investigation is ongoing.

UPDATE (1:30 p.m.) - An evacuation warning has been issued for what CAL FIRE is calling the Ridge Fire.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office says that residents in the Alegria Canyon/Hollister Ranch area in Gaviota should be ready to leave at a moment's notice.

Officials also say that people who have disabilities, access and functional needs, and large animals should leave now.

CAL FIRE reports that the fire has burned 17 acres so far.

SBCF PIO Scott Safechuck posted on X that the Ridge Fire is currently at 10% containment. Air tankers have been released, as well as an Air Attack firefighting plane and three Type 1 helicopters, according to Safechuck.

CAL FIRE says a cause is under investigation.

(7:52 a.m.) - Santa Barbara County firefighters are battling a brush fire in the Hollister Ridge area.

The fire was first reported at about 10:20 p.m. near Hollister Ranch Rd. and Agua Rd.

As of Sunday morning, the fire had burned an estimated 30-40 acres.

County fire officials said the fire is burning in a remote and inaccessible area and hand crews and dozers are still working to gain access to the fire. Fog has also hampered their ability to clearly see the fire.

No structures are at risk.