[06-10-2025] Santa Barbara County, CA – Two Injured, Brush Fire Ignited in Three-Vehicle Crash on Highway 154 Near Paradise Road

Two people were injured, and a brush fire was ignited following a three-vehicle crash in Santa Barbara County on Tuesday afternoon, June 10, 2025.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident occurred around 11:40 a.m. on Highway 154 near Paradise Road.

Emergency crews responded to the scene, where two people with moderate to major injuries were transported to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital by ambulance.

One of the vehicles caught fire after the crash, and flames spread to a nearby hillside, igniting a half-acre vegetation fire. Firefighters contained the fire by 12:35 p.m. using hose lines, hand tools, and aerial water drops.

Caltrans temporarily closed Highway 154 in both directions between Highway 192 and Highway 246. No estimate for reopening was immediately available.

The investigation is ongoing.

Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers In Santa Barbara County, CA

Multi-vehicle fiery accidents, particularly those resulting in fire-related injuries and property damage, can have significant physical, emotional, and financial impacts. Understanding your legal rights after such a collision can help you navigate the process of seeking compensation for medical expenses and other damages.

Car accident lawyers in Santa Barbara County can help you explore the available legal options after a three-vehicle crash. Legal support may include reviewing accident reports, assisting with insurance claims, and explaining how compensation may be pursued for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Early legal guidance may help clarify the next steps and ensure your rights are protected.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, call our auto accident attorneys in Santa Barbara County at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form for a free initial consultation.

What To Do After A Multi-Vehicle Accident In Santa Barbara, CA

Multi-vehicle collisions, especially those resulting in injuries or property damage, can be stressful. Taking the right steps afterward may help protect your rights and preserve important evidence for future claims.

1. Call 911 And Seek Medical Attention
   Report the accident to emergency services immediately and ensure that anyone injured receives prompt medical evaluation. Even minor injuries should be assessed, as some may not be immediately visible.
2. Document The Scene And Damage
   If it is safe to do so, take photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. This documentation can be useful for insurance claims and legal purposes.
3. Gather Information From Witnesses
   Collect names and contact details from any witnesses to the collision. Their statements can provide important insight into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
4. Consult With Personal Injury Lawyers
   Personal injury lawyers in Santa Barbara County can help explain your legal options, assist with insurance matters, and ensure that time-sensitive evidence is preserved. Early legal involvement may help protect your rights and ensure the case is handled properly.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Car Accident Statistics

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported a decrease in traffic fatalities for the fifth consecutive quarter in the first half of 2023. An estimated 19,515 people lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes, reflecting a 3.3% drop from the 20,190 fatalities recorded during the same period in 2022. This decline was observed in both the first and second quarters of 2023.

Preliminary data also indicates a 2.3% increase in vehicle miles traveled (VMT), with drivers covering an additional 35.1 billion miles compared to the previous year. Despite this rise in driving, traffic fatalities decreased, resulting in a lower fatality rate of 1.24 deaths per 100 million VMT, compared to the previously projected rate of 1.31 deaths.