Fire crews make progress on fast-moving brush fire in Santa Barbara County

Fire crews made good progress on a fast-moving brush fire burning in the El Capitan Canyon area of Santa Barbara County that prompted extensive evacuations in the area. 

Fire crews were able to increase containment to 50 percent Friday at 420 acres burned and worked to establish fire lines. Firefighters were watching for isolated pockets of heat and embers. 

The steep and rugged fire was named the Real Fire. The blaze sparked Thursday in the 12000 block of Calle Real and was driven by strong winds in the area, known as Sundowner winds. 

Several aircraft were assisting with the firefight as ground crews went into structure defense mode. Approximately 200 firefighters were battling the flames of the Real Fire.

The 101 Freeway was temporarily shut down in both directions through the area due to the fire. The freeway closed at Las Varas Canyon Road on the northbound side, and at Refugio Road on the southbound side.

Real Fire burning in El Capitan Canyon area, Santa Barbara County. (Santa Barbara County Fire Department)

The California Highway Patrol opened up one lane in each direction of the 101 Freeway through the fire area as of 7:18 p.m., according to Eliason. By 8:24 p.m., the California Highway Patrol reported that all traffic lanes were open.

Train service through the area was temporarily disrupted but has since resumed operations.

Wind speeds in the area ranged between 25 mph to 39 mph in the Refugio area, and 26 mph to 47 mph in the Gaviota area, tweeted the National Weather Service.

Real Fire burning in Santa Barbara County. (California Highway Patrol - Santa Barbara)

Residents along the coastal area between Dos Pueblos Canyon and Gaviota were ordered to evacuate. However, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department lifted evacuations for residents between Dos Pueblos Canyon and Winchester Canyon at 7:11 p.m. due to changing conditions of the fire.

The area is frequently visited due to its access to state beaches and campgrounds.

The Red Cross opened a shelter at the Goleta Valley Community Center located at 5679 Hollister Avenue in the city of Goleta for residents evacuated due to the fire.

No injuries were reported. No further details were immediately known.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

FOX 11's Kelli Johnson contributed to this report.