Star Report
The Scherpa fire had caused agricultural damage and Santa Barbara County is asking the governor for a state declaration of emergency, Supervisor Doreen Farr said at a news briefing Friday morning.
Officials say that damage includes burned avocado, lemon and olive orchards, as well as cattle grazing land.
The Fire is burning west of Goleta, has grown to 5,866 acres by late Friday afternoon and was 20 percent contained. Smoke has been covering the skies in the Santa Ynez Valley and can be seen as far as Santa Maria.
Helicopters were dipping into Alisal Lake at Alisal Guest Ranch, according to owner CJ Jackson and they are happy to help the effort.
One structure, the El Capitan Water Treatment Plant, has been destroyed by the flames. Fire officials said another 270 structures are threatened.
