This story was last updated on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023. Click here for the latest updates on this fire.
UPDATE (5:22 p.m.) - Santa Barbara County Fire reports that the Plant Fire has grown to 5,500 acres.
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UPDATE (4:23 p.m.) - Evacuation orders for the Plant Fire have expanded from Aliso Canyon Rd. to Cottonwood Rd.
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UPDATE (3:24 p.m.) - The California Highway Patrol is shutting down Highway 166 between Highway 101 and New Cuyama as a result of the Plant Fire.
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UPDATE (3:01 p.m.) - Santa Barbara County Fire reports that the fire has burned an estimated 300-400 acres and growing.
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ORIGINAL STORY - Evacuations have been ordered for residents near a brush fire burning in the area of Highway 166 and Aliso Canyon Rd. near New Cuyama.
The Plant Fire broke out at approximately 1:20 p.m. on Saturday and was putting up a large plume of smoke.
Evacuations are in effect between Aliso Canyon Rd. and Wasioja Rd.
As of 2 p.m., the Santa Barbara County Fire Department reported that the fire has burned approximately 50 acres in grass and brush.
Some resources from the Hapgood Fire in Buellton were being diverted to this fire. Six air tankers have also been ordered, including one VLAT, or Very Large Air Tanker.
The fire is reportedly not affecting traffic on Highway 166 at this time.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
