Southern California’s Alisal Fire is 50% contained

Amanda Watts
By Amanda Watts and Jason Hanna, CNN
Published 2:00 PM EDT, Sat October 16, 2021
Part of the Alisal Fire burns in California's Las Flores Canyon on Friday afternoon.
Part of the Alisal Fire burns in California's Las Flores Canyon on Friday afternoon.
Santa Barbara County Fire Department
CNN  — 

Southern California’s Alisal Fire, which earlier this week closed portions of US Highway 101 and the Union Pacific Railroad west of Santa Barbara, was 50% contained as of Saturday morning, fire officials said.

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Last month was the driest ever September in Los Angeles County. Now come the Santa Ana winds

That’s an improvement from Friday morning’s 41%. The fire has burned about 17,200 acres since it started Monday afternoon, according to InciWeb, a US clearinghouse for wildfire information.

The closed portions of the highway and the railroad have since reopened.

The flames earlier this week also neared but missed the Santa Barbara area’s famed Reagan Ranch, known as the Western White House during the Ronald Reagan administration.

The majority of the fire’s recent growth has been on the western flank, toward the oceanside community of Gaviota, according to InciWeb. High temperatures and low humidity have contributed to the growth, it said.

The Alisal Fire burns near Goleta, California, on Tuesday, October 12.
The Alisal Fire burns near Goleta, California, on Tuesday, October 12.
David McNew/Getty Images
A firefighter puts out a roadside fire in Goleta, California, on Wednesday, October 13.
A firefighter puts out a roadside fire in Goleta, California, on Wednesday, October 13.
Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP
An air tanker drops retardant on a wildfire in Goleta.
An air tanker drops retardant on a wildfire in Goleta.
Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP
James Grooms looks through the remains of his home at the Rancho Marina Mobile Home & RV Park following the Brannan Fire in Sacramento County, California, on Tuesday, October 12.
James Grooms looks through the remains of his home at the Rancho Marina Mobile Home & RV Park following the Brannan Fire in Sacramento County, California, on Tuesday, October 12.
Noah Berger/AP
Firefighter Tyler McManigal battles the Alisal Fire in Gaviota, California, on October 12.
Firefighter Tyler McManigal battles the Alisal Fire in Gaviota, California, on October 12.
Erick Madrid/Zuma
A forest of ashen trees stands in the wake of the Windy Fire, south of California Hot Springs, on September 27.
A forest of ashen trees stands in the wake of the Windy Fire, south of California Hot Springs, on September 27.
David McNew/Getty Images
A volunteer attempts to evacuate horses to safety as the Windy Fire expands in California's Sequoia National Forest on September 25.
A volunteer attempts to evacuate horses to safety as the Windy Fire expands in California's Sequoia National Forest on September 25.
David Swanson/Reuters
Operations Section Chief Jon Wallace looks at the General Sherman giant sequoia tree at Sequoia National Park on September 22. The base of the tree, the world's largest by volume, was <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/22/weather/us-western-wildfires-wednesday/index.html" target="_blank">wrapped in an aluminum-based burn-resistant material</a> to protect it from wildfires.
Operations Section Chief Jon Wallace looks at the General Sherman giant sequoia tree at Sequoia National Park on September 22. The base of the tree, the world's largest by volume, was wrapped in an aluminum-based burn-resistant material to protect it from wildfires.
Gary Kazanjian/Pool/AFP/Getty Images
Firefighters spray water as flames from the Windy Fire push toward a road in California's Sequoia National Forest on September 22.
Firefighters spray water as flames from the Windy Fire push toward a road in California's Sequoia National Forest on September 22.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP/Getty Images
Firefighters battling the Windy Fire extinguish a spot fire in the Sequoia National Forest on September 19.
Firefighters battling the Windy Fire extinguish a spot fire in the Sequoia National Forest on September 19.
Noah Berger/AP
The Windy Fire burns in the Trail of 100 Giants grove in the Sequoia National Forest on September 19.
The Windy Fire burns in the Trail of 100 Giants grove in the Sequoia National Forest on September 19.
Noah Berger/AP
A helicopter drops water on the KNP Complex Fire burning in Sequoia National Park on September 15.
A helicopter drops water on the KNP Complex Fire burning in Sequoia National Park on September 15.
Noah Berger/AP
Flames from the KNP Complex Fire burn along a hillside in the Sequoia National Park on September 14.
Flames from the KNP Complex Fire burn along a hillside in the Sequoia National Park on September 14.
Noah Berger/AP
This aerial photo, taken on September 4, shows the Dixie Fire on Horton Ridge in Plumas County, California.
This aerial photo, taken on September 4, shows the Dixie Fire on Horton Ridge in Plumas County, California.
Great Basin Team 1 Air Attack Operations/U.S. Forest Service/ AP
Riley Cantrell cries while she and boyfriend, Bradley Fairbanks, view what's left of her mother's home in Greenville, California, on September 4. It was destroyed by the Dixie Fire.
Riley Cantrell cries while she and boyfriend, Bradley Fairbanks, view what's left of her mother's home in Greenville, California, on September 4. It was destroyed by the Dixie Fire.
Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty IMages
A firefighter is seen as the Caldor Fire rages near California's Silver Lake on September 2.
A firefighter is seen as the Caldor Fire rages near California's Silver Lake on September 2.
Ty O'Neil/SOPA Images/SIPA USA
A helicopter flies over Wrights Lake while battling the Caldor Fire in California's Eldorado National Forest.
A helicopter flies over Wrights Lake while battling the Caldor Fire in California's Eldorado National Forest.
Noah Berger/AP
Embers fly from a tree as the Caldor Fire burns along Highway 50 in California's Eldorado National Forest.
Embers fly from a tree as the Caldor Fire burns along Highway 50 in California's Eldorado National Forest.
Noah Berger/AP
Veronica Foster, an evacuee from South Lake Tahoe, California, hugs her dog, Gracie, as she and her co-workers gather outside an evacuation center in Gardnerville, Nevada, on August 31. The governors of California and Nevada declared states of emergency as <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/31/weather/western-wildfires-tuesday/index.html" target="_blank">the fast-moving Caldor Fire</a> prompted officials to tell everyone to get out of South Lake Tahoe.
Veronica Foster, an evacuee from South Lake Tahoe, California, hugs her dog, Gracie, as she and her co-workers gather outside an evacuation center in Gardnerville, Nevada, on August 31. The governors of California and Nevada declared states of emergency as the fast-moving Caldor Fire prompted officials to tell everyone to get out of South Lake Tahoe.
Dai Sugano/Digital First Media/The Mercury News/Getty Images
Jason Marone of the Roseville Fire Department hoses down a hot spot in Meyers, California, on August 31.
Jason Marone of the Roseville Fire Department hoses down a hot spot in Meyers, California, on August 31.
Karl Mondon/Digital First Media/The Mercury News/Getty Images
A tree burns in a blackened forest at dawn on August 30 after the Caldor Fire tore through Twin Bridges, California.
A tree burns in a blackened forest at dawn on August 30 after the Caldor Fire tore through Twin Bridges, California.
Karl Mondon/Digital First Media/The Mercury News/Getty Images
A firefighter winds up hose at a spot fire near Meyers, California, on August 30.
A firefighter winds up hose at a spot fire near Meyers, California, on August 30.
Max Whittaker/The New York Times/Redux
The Caldor Fire burns homes along a ridge near South Lake Tahoe on August 30.
The Caldor Fire burns homes along a ridge near South Lake Tahoe on August 30.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
South Lake Tahoe residents are stuck in gridlock while attempting to evacuate the city on August 30.
South Lake Tahoe residents are stuck in gridlock while attempting to evacuate the city on August 30.
Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images
A tanker makes a fire-retardant drop near Lytle Creek, California, on August 26 as efforts continued to stop the South Fire.
A tanker makes a fire-retardant drop near Lytle Creek, California, on August 26 as efforts continued to stop the South Fire.
Will Lester/MediaNews Group/Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/Getty Images
A firefighter tries to extinguish flames at a burning house as the South Fire burned in Lytle Creek, California, on August 25.
A firefighter tries to extinguish flames at a burning house as the South Fire burned in Lytle Creek, California, on August 25.
Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP
From left, Astrid Covarrubias, Jose Lamas and Maria Covarrubias walk through smoke after visiting their burned-out home in Lytle Creek on August 25.
From left, Astrid Covarrubias, Jose Lamas and Maria Covarrubias walk through smoke after visiting their burned-out home in Lytle Creek on August 25.
Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP
The French Fire continues to spread near Wofford Heights, California, on August 25.
The French Fire continues to spread near Wofford Heights, California, on August 25.
David McNew/Getty Images
Firefighters are seen behind the flames of a backfire they were setting to battle the French Fire near Wofford Heights.
Firefighters are seen behind the flames of a backfire they were setting to battle the French Fire near Wofford Heights.
David McNew/Getty Images
Crews battle California's Caldor Fire as it moved east toward Lake Tahoe on August 23.
Crews battle California's Caldor Fire as it moved east toward Lake Tahoe on August 23.
Michael Nigro/Pacific Press/Shutterstock
This aerial photo, taken on August 19, shows burned homes at the Creekside Mobile Home Park a day after they were destroyed by the Cache Fire in Clearlake, California.
This aerial photo, taken on August 19, shows burned homes at the Creekside Mobile Home Park a day after they were destroyed by the Cache Fire in Clearlake, California.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Firefighters dig a containment line on the Caldor Fire near Pollock Pines, California, on August 18.
Firefighters dig a containment line on the Caldor Fire near Pollock Pines, California, on August 18.
Max Whittaker/The New York Times/Redux
Smoke and haze from wildfires obscure the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline on August 18.
Smoke and haze from wildfires obscure the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline on August 18.
Eric Risberg/AP
In this long-exposure photo, embers light up hillsides as the Dixie Fire burns near Milford, California, on August 17.
In this long-exposure photo, embers light up hillsides as the Dixie Fire burns near Milford, California, on August 17.
Noah Berger/AP
Destiney Barnard holds Raymond William Goetchius while stranded at a gas station in Doyle, California, on August 17. Barnard's car broke down as she was helping Raymond and his family flee the Dixie Fire.
Destiney Barnard holds Raymond William Goetchius while stranded at a gas station in Doyle, California, on August 17. Barnard's car broke down as she was helping Raymond and his family flee the Dixie Fire.
Noah Berger/AP
Destroyed property is seen August 17 after the Caldor Fire passed through Grizzly Flats, California.
Destroyed property is seen August 17 after the Caldor Fire passed through Grizzly Flats, California.
Ethan Swope/AP
Firefighters spray water on trees being burned by the Dixie Fire near Janesville, California, on August 17.
Firefighters spray water on trees being burned by the Dixie Fire near Janesville, California, on August 17.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP/Getty Images
As the KNP Complex Fire approaches, Forest Service firefighters Armando Flores, right, and Heron Hilbach-Barger clear vegetation around structures at the Ash Mountain headquarters in Sequoia National Park, Calif., on Sept. 15, 2021. The blaze is burning near the Giant Forest, home to more than 2,000 giant sequoias.
As the KNP Complex Fire approaches, Forest Service firefighters Armando Flores, right, and Heron Hilbach-Barger clear vegetation around structures at the Ash Mountain headquarters in Sequoia National Park, Calif., on Sept. 15, 2021. The blaze is burning near the Giant Forest, home to more than 2,000 giant sequoias.
Noah Berger/AP
A firefighting helicopter flies in front of the sun, which was shrouded in thick wildfire smoke near Lakeview, Oregon, on August 15.
A firefighting helicopter flies in front of the sun, which was shrouded in thick wildfire smoke near Lakeview, Oregon, on August 15.
Mathieu Lewis-Rolland/Getty Images
Wind blows smoke away for a moment, revealing damage from the Parleys Canyon Fire in Utah on August 14.
Wind blows smoke away for a moment, revealing damage from the Parleys Canyon Fire in Utah on August 14.
Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP
Crews battle a fire in Newhall, California, on August 12.
Crews battle a fire in Newhall, California, on August 12.
Hans Gutknecht/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News/Getty Images
A table and chairs sit in front of a destroyed home in Greenville, California, on August 12.
A table and chairs sit in front of a destroyed home in Greenville, California, on August 12.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
A firefighter battles the Dixie Fire near Taylorsville, California, on August 10.
A firefighter battles the Dixie Fire near Taylorsville, California, on August 10.
David Swanson/Reuters
Smoke plumes rise from the Kwis Fire near Eugene, Oregon, on August 10.
Smoke plumes rise from the Kwis Fire near Eugene, Oregon, on August 10.
Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard/USA Today Network
A firefighter works to extinguish a controlled burn, a preventative measure, to protect a home in Greenville, California, on August 9.
A firefighter works to extinguish a controlled burn, a preventative measure, to protect a home in Greenville, California, on August 9.
David Odisho/Getty Images
Firefighters battling the Dixie Fire clear a fallen tree from a roadway in Plumas County, California, on August 6.
Firefighters battling the Dixie Fire clear a fallen tree from a roadway in Plumas County, California, on August 6.
Noah Berger/AP
Flames from the Dixie Fire consume a pickup truck on Highway 89, south of Greenville, California, on August 5.
Flames from the Dixie Fire consume a pickup truck on Highway 89, south of Greenville, California, on August 5.
Noah Berger/AP
Operations Chief Jay Walter passes the historic Sierra Lodge as the Dixie Fire burns through Greenville, California, on August 4. The fire leveled multiple historic buildings and dozens of homes in central Greenville.
Operations Chief Jay Walter passes the historic Sierra Lodge as the Dixie Fire burns through Greenville, California, on August 4. The fire leveled multiple historic buildings and dozens of homes in central Greenville.
Noah Berger/AP
Firefighters work at a Greenville home that was engulfed by the Dixie Fire on August 4.
Firefighters work at a Greenville home that was engulfed by the Dixie Fire on August 4.
Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images
The Dixie Fire burns near Taylorsville, California, on July 29.
The Dixie Fire burns near Taylorsville, California, on July 29.
David Swanson/Reuters
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, left, and Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak tour an area destroyed by the Tamarack Fire in Gardnerville, Nevada, on July 28.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, left, and Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak tour an area destroyed by the Tamarack Fire in Gardnerville, Nevada, on July 28.
Sam Metz/AP
Firefighter Brentt Call walks through a burned-over area of the Bootleg Fire near Klamath Falls, Oregon, on July 27.
Firefighter Brentt Call walks through a burned-over area of the Bootleg Fire near Klamath Falls, Oregon, on July 27.
Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard/USA Today Network
Cal Fire Capts. Tristan Gale, left, and Derek Leong monitor a firing operation in California's Lassen National Forest on July 26. Crews had set a ground fire to stop the Dixie Fire from spreading.
Cal Fire Capts. Tristan Gale, left, and Derek Leong monitor a firing operation in California's Lassen National Forest on July 26. Crews had set a ground fire to stop the Dixie Fire from spreading.
Noah Berger/AP
Firefighters try to reach a fire site in Quincy, California, on July 25.
Firefighters try to reach a fire site in Quincy, California, on July 25.
Neal Waters/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
Volunteers sort clothing at a donation shelter for those affected by the Bootleg Fire in Bly, Oregon.
Volunteers sort clothing at a donation shelter for those affected by the Bootleg Fire in Bly, Oregon.
Maranie Staab/Bloomberg/Getty Images
Scott Griffin surveys his property, which was destroyed by the Bootleg Fire in Sycan Estates, Oregon.
Scott Griffin surveys his property, which was destroyed by the Bootleg Fire in Sycan Estates, Oregon.
Mathieu Lewis-Rolland/Reuters
Flames consume a home as the Dixie Fire tears through the Indian Falls community of Plumas County, California, on July 24.
Flames consume a home as the Dixie Fire tears through the Indian Falls community of Plumas County, California, on July 24.
Noah Berger/AP
People stand behind the fire line as flames from the Steptoe Canyon Fire spread through dry grass in Colton, Washington, on July 22.
People stand behind the fire line as flames from the Steptoe Canyon Fire spread through dry grass in Colton, Washington, on July 22.
August Frank/Lewiston Tribune/AP
Plumes of smoke from the Dixie Fire rise above California's Plumas National Forest, near the Pacific Gas and Electric Rock Creek Power House, on July 21.
Plumes of smoke from the Dixie Fire rise above California's Plumas National Forest, near the Pacific Gas and Electric Rock Creek Power House, on July 21.
Peter DaSilva/UPI/Shutterstock
Firefighters walk near a wildfire in Topanga, California, on July 19.
Firefighters walk near a wildfire in Topanga, California, on July 19.
Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP
A firefighter does mop-up work in the Fremont-Winema National Forest, which has been struggling with the Bootleg Fire in Oregon.
A firefighter does mop-up work in the Fremont-Winema National Forest, which has been struggling with the Bootleg Fire in Oregon.
Mathieu Lewis-Rolland/Getty Images
A car is charred by the Bootleg Fire along a mountain road near Bly, Oregon.
A car is charred by the Bootleg Fire along a mountain road near Bly, Oregon.
Nathan Howard/AP
Nicolas Bey, 11, hugs his father, Sayyid, near a donated trailer they are using after their home was burned in the Bootleg Fire near Beatty, Oregon.
Nicolas Bey, 11, hugs his father, Sayyid, near a donated trailer they are using after their home was burned in the Bootleg Fire near Beatty, Oregon.
David Ryder/Reuters
Firefighters extinguish hot spots in an area affected by the Bootleg Fire near Bly, Oregon.
Firefighters extinguish hot spots in an area affected by the Bootleg Fire near Bly, Oregon.
David Ryder/Reuters
A bear cub clings to a tree after being spotted by a safety officer at the Bootleg Fire in Oregon.
A bear cub clings to a tree after being spotted by a safety officer at the Bootleg Fire in Oregon.
Bryan Daniels/AP
Firefighters work to protect Markleeville, California, from the Tamarack Fire on July 17. The Tamarack Fire was started by a lightning strike.
Firefighters work to protect Markleeville, California, from the Tamarack Fire on July 17. The Tamarack Fire was started by a lightning strike.
Ty O'Neil/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images
The Tamarack Fire burns in Markleeville, near the California-Nevada border, on July 17.
The Tamarack Fire burns in Markleeville, near the California-Nevada border, on July 17.
Ty O'Neil/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
A member of the Northwest Incident Management Team 12 holds a map of the Chuweah Creek Fire as wildfires devastated Nespelem, Washington, on July 16.
A member of the Northwest Incident Management Team 12 holds a map of the Chuweah Creek Fire as wildfires devastated Nespelem, Washington, on July 16. <