A fire is reported burning one mile up Refugio Road in heavy fuels and was about 10-20 acres in size as of approximately 4:37 p.m. County Fire is responding and trying to gain access to the area, according to Capt. Dave Zaniboni, spokesperson for County Fire. Air resources have been requested, and fire crews are coming from the Rey Fire to attack what is being called the Bar Incident. The weather station in upper Refugio Canyon indicates wind speeds over 30 mph, though winds appear calmer at the coast.
[UPDATE: 6 p.m.]: Capt. Zaniboni reports the fire is just east of Refugio Canyon and burning in Venadito Canyon. Few structures are in the area, and no evacuations have been ordered.
[UPDATE: 7:30 p.m.]: Smoke continues to rise, but the fire seems to be dying back, Refugio resident Janet Erro told The Santa Barbara Independent by telephone. Two to four drops by the air tankers pelted the landscape with retardant, she said, and helicopters continue to drop water as nightfall approaches. A breeze has come up from the north, but overall the evening is cool, the wind is mild, and the fire is surrounded by fire crews. A neighbor at Venadito Canyon Ranch told her that electricity just came back on around 7:30 p.m.