Single Vehicle Accident with Injuries and Grass Fire in New Cuyama, California

Add Feedback

Share |

At 3:05 pm, Santa Barbara County Fire Department (SBC FD) responded to a vehicle accident that caused a grass fire, located on Highway 166, 2 miles east of Cottonwood Canyon.

SBC FD responded four engines, one water tender, one dozer, one crew, helicopter 309, and a battalion chief to the incident.  SBC FD was assisted by the US Forest Service, Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department, Hall Air Ambulance and the California Highway Patrol.

According to witness reports, a vehicle heading west bound on highway 166 traveling at a high rate of speed, failed to negotiate a turn 2 miles east of Cottonwood Canyon.  The vehicle went off the roadway and started a grass fire that quickly spread to 25 acres.  The driver, a middle aged woman, was treated at the scene by firefighter / paramedics.  She was transported by air ambulance with serious injuries to an area hospital.

The fire was contained at 3:56 pm.  Helicopter 309 made two water drops on the fire and prevented further spread. At 4:45 pm, approximately 8 engines remained on scene mopping up the fire.  The cause of the accident is under investigation by the CHP.



Author:Santa Barbara County Fire Department Press Release