SANTA BARBARA,CA (Friday, June 17,2016 ta 11:40 a.m.)—The Sherpa Fire near Santa Barbara continues to burn today. It is only 5% contained.  This morning residents of the Western Antelope Valley woke to clouds of smoke visible with the sunrise. Here is the update from the U.S. Forest Service.

Release
Date: June 17, 2016 Sherpa Fire
Location: West of Goleta, Santa Barbara County, Los Padres National Forest.
Acres Burned:  4,000
Structures Threatened: 270
Containment: 5%
Structures Destroyed: 1
Fire Started: June 15, 2016
Injuries: 0
Cause: Under investigation
Total personnel assigned to the Fire: 1,230
 Summary
Fire crews stayed busy last night due to extreme downhill runs from the down-slope Sundower winds. Today firefighters will continue to work on building and reinforcing containment lines along the North and East sides of the fire, and along Highway 101.
Ground crews are being supported by helicopters and air tankers. Crews will also be initiating contingency lines.

Fire activity along Highway 101 is under continuous evaluation by fire managers and the California Highway Patrol. The Hwy may be closed again if the fire is determined to be a hazard to motorist.

The communities surrounding the Sherpa Fire can expect to see smoke throughout the day, which will increase during the evening hours. Outdoor activities should be planned for times when smoke levels are low. Upslope winds occur during the day, which will often take smoke into higher elevations. In the evening these winds change direction and bring smoke back downslope. For more information about smoke impacts please visit the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District at www.OurAir.org .

This is part of the June 10, 2016 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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