Fire

Fireworks will not be tolerated along much of Central Coast this Independence Day Weekend

By KCBX News Staff • Jul 2, 2015

Our intense drought has Central Coast fire protection agencies boosting their efforts to crack down on the use of illegal fireworks.

UPDATE: Containment growing of brush fire burning near Santa Maria

By KCBX Newsroom • Jun 19, 2015

UPDATE - 5:53 p.m. on 06/19/2016:

Santa Barbara Fire Captain Dave Zaniboni said Friday evening that fire crews had gained 90 percent containment.

ORIGINAL STORY:

Fire crews in Santa Barbara County were working to contain a brush fire burning in the hills just south of Santa Maria, Friday afternoon.

Santa Barbara County Fire said investigators believe a bird flying into power lines could be the cause.

Crews were attacking the fire from the ground and air.

Video points to arson as cause of Food Bank of Monterey County fire

By Randol White • Mar 23, 2015

Monterey County's only food bank is struggling this week to distribute resources to those in need, following what investigators are now calling an arson fire. Damage caused by the crime is far reaching.

The Salinas Fire Department said Monday it has video surveillance footage that confirms Saturday's fire was purposely set by an individual.

UPDATE: Santa Barbara's South Coast included in Red Flag Warning

By Jordan Bell • Sep 15, 2014

UPDATE: September 16, 2014 at 4:33 p.m.

The Red Flag Warning in effect for Santa Barbara County was expanded Tuesday to include the county's entire South Coast.

The National Weather Service has issued the warning through Midnight Tuesday. It indicates critical fire weather conditions have moved into the area.

Meteorologists say a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and excessive heat for a fifth straight day is to blame.

Fire rings to be pulled early this year from Port San Luis beaches

By Randol White • Aug 14, 2014

The ongoing drought will soon affect your ability to enjoy a fire at a popular spot in San Luis Obispo County for toasting marshmallows and listening to the waves.

The fire rings will be removed following this coming Labor Day Weekend at Olde Port Beach within the Port San Luis Harbor District in an effort to reduce wildfire risk.

The concern is over hot, windy weather that could blow embers onto the adjacent hillsides.

Goleta apartment explosion linked to marijuana processing

By Randol White • Jul 22, 2014

An investigation into Monday night's apartment explosion in Goleta shows it was caused by a process used to extract oils from marijuana.

One person was badly injured during the incident and was being treated for third degree burns immediately following the event, according to Santa Barbara County Fire spokesperson Capt. David Sadecki.

It happened at a two-story complex on Elwood Beach Drive in Goleta.

The Santa Barbara County Fire Department says the process known as Butane Honey Oil conversion resulted in a flash fire.

County-wide burn ban in place for San Luis Obispo

By Randol White • Jun 30, 2014

A San Luis Obispo County-wide burn ban goes into effect July 1, as Cal Fire's local unit prepares for the driest, hottest time of the year.

The agency is urging residents to do their part to be fire safe during this critical period.

The burning suspension will remain in effect until there is a significant change in weather conditions or until the end of fire season.

Update: Cause determined for Miguelito Fire near Lompoc

By Randol White • May 13, 2014

THURSDAY UPDATE: 6:11 p.m.—Santa Barbara County Fire Department investigators have concluded that the Miguelito Fire was started when untrimmed trees came into contact with a live power line.

Investigators say a 12,000 volt power line feeding the plant located at 2500 San Miguelito Rd. in Lompoc, contacted a tree causing embers to drop down and ignite the dry brush along the hillside.

Morning home fire 'total loss' for Central Coast family

By Randol White • Mar 31, 2014

Fire investigators are looking into the cause of a house fire Monday morning on Platino Lane in Arroyo Grande. Smoke from the hilltop blaze could be seen from as far away as Avila Beach, according to the Five Cities Fire Authority.

The authority's public information officer Peter Klein said the fire may have started in a lower floor game room. The home's owner tried to initially put it out with a hose after being alerted by a smoke alarm.

A total of 7 people were in the home at the time of the fire, including small children. All made it out safely, said Klein.

SLO leaders must decide how to handle binding arbitration

By Randol White • Mar 7, 2014

An administrative law judge says the City of San Luis Obispo needs to reverse course and bring back binding arbitration for the city's police and firefighter unions.

Back in 2011, nearly 3-out-of-4 voters approved Measure B, which put an end to the arbitation practice. Voters also created the binding arbitration method back in 2000.

The judge says the city didn't follow proper procedure before putting the issue back on the ballot with Measure B. The City Council will meet in closed session this Monday to discuss options, including an appeal.

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