UPDATE (8/31): The Santa Barbara County Fire Department reports that the Plant Fire, which broke out Aug. 19 near New Cuyama, is fully contained. However, Aliso Park Campground remains closed. Fire officials say mop-up is continuing and they are working to mitigate hazards.
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ORIGINAL STORY: The Plant Fire, which broke out Saturday near New Cuyama, remains 80% contained Wednesday, according to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.
Earlier Wednesday morning, CAL FIRE reported that the fire was 100% contained, but County Fire PIO Capt. Scott Safechuck says that report was erroneous. He says firefighters are making good progress but it's an "arduous" task. Crews are working in steep terrain with 10-15 foot high brush. He said some areas require a 4+ hour hike and they're working with hand tools to construct containment lines.
Capt. Safechuck said it's unknown when full containment is expected.
The fire burned a total of 5,464 acres.
It started in the area of Aliso Park Rd. and Foothill Rd. at around 1:20 p.m. Saturday and quickly spread, prompting evacuations and the closure of nearby Highway 166.
The highway was reopened Sunday morning.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
