Final update: Chimney Fire 100-percent contained
Update posted Sept. 6, 7 a.m.
As of Monday morning, the Chimney Fire was 100-percent contained, Cal Fire reports. The fire scorched 46,4433 acres north west of Paso Robles. All evacuations and all road closures have been lifted. A total of 49 residences and 21 other structures were destroyed in the fire.
Control lines are being strengthened by aggressive mop up on the perimeter of the fire, Cal Fire report. Isolated pockets of heat interior to the fire continue to smolder and smoke but do not threaten control lines.
Smoke from the Soberanes fire burning 40 miles to the north in Big Sur continues to drift in to the northern areas of the Chimney fire. Suppression repair will continue for several weeks. Light wispy smoke will be in the area for several days.
Current Chimney Fire stats
- Total Fire Personnel: 736
- Total Fire Engines: 20
- Total Fire Crews: 15
- Total Airtankers: 0
- Total Helicopters: 1
- Total Dozers: 7
- Total Water Tenders: 10
Update posted Sept. 2, 7:30 a.m.
Fire has burned a total of 43,344 acres
–Firefighters continued to make progress towards full containment of the Chimney Fire, with current containment at 93-percent. Fire crews will remain throughout the fire perimeter in the coming weeks to provide fire suppression repair, remove firefighting equipment, mop up and patrol. The fire has burned a total of 43,344 acres, destroyed 49 residences and 21 other structures, and damaged 8 others.
Citizens are asked to drive slowly and use caution as emergency crews and equipment are still working in the area. Cal Fire Incident Management Team #2 says it appreciates all the community support in battling the Chimney Fire. The team will transition management of the Chimney Fire back to the local Cal Fire SLO unit on Friday.
Fire fighter working the Chimney Fire this weekend. Photo by Cal Fire.
Update posted Aug. 31, 7:30 a.m.
Firefighting crews continued to make progress towards full containment of the Chimney Fire burning north west of Paso Robles, Cal Fire reports. Crews will remain throughout the fire perimeter into next week to remove all firefighting equipment.
There are 10 structures currently threatened by the fire. A total of 49 residences have been destroyed and 21 other structures. All evacuation orders have been lifted.
As fires continue to threaten the state, fire fighting resources are being moved to battle wildland fires across the State of California.
As fire crews and equipment remain in the fire area, Cal Fire asks residents to drive slowly and use caution. Cal Fire urges those who do not have homes or businesses in the area of the fire to stay out.
Current Chimney Fire stats
- Total Fire Personnel: 2,981
- Total Fire Engines: 164
- Total Fire Crews: 91
- Total Airtankers: 0
- Total Helicopters: 8
- Total Dozers: 23
- Total Water Tenders: 52
Fire map as of Aug. 30.
Update posted Aug. 30, 6:30 a.m.
Cause remains under investigation
–As of Aug. 30, at 6 a.m., the Chimney Fire burning on Running Deer Rd. and Chimney Rock Rd. south of Lake Nacimiento is at 46,344 acres and is 75-percent contained, according to Cal Fire. Full containment is expected by Sept. 3.
35 structures remain threatened. 49 homes have been destroyed as well as 21 additional structures. 8 other structures have been damaged. Evacuation orders have been lifted for all San Luis Obispo County residents.
Overnight, crews continued to make progress constructing and maintaining containment lines. Today, firefighters will continue to make progress constructing fire containment lines, diminish hot spots in the interior of the fire perimeter, and patrol those areas. Fire crews will continue working in very steep terrain, particularly on the northwest perimeter of the fire line, with very dry brush, chaparral, and dead timber.
Please drive slowly and use caution as emergency crews and equipment are still working in the fire area. Cal Fire is urging those who do not have homes and/or businesses in the area to stay out.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Current Chimney Fire stats
- Total Fire Personnel: 3,416
- Total Fire Engines: 201
- Total Fire Crews: 101
- Total Airtankers: 0
- Total Helicopters: 14
- Total Dozers: 45
- Total Water Tenders: 55
Map of the Chimney Fire as of Aug. 28.
Update posted Aug. 29, 6:30 a.m.
Hearst Castle re-opens
–As of Aug. 29, at 6 a.m., the Chimney Fire burning on Running Deer Rd. and Chimney Rock Rd. south of Lake Nacimiento is at 45,844 acres and is 61-percent contained. Full containment is expected by Sept. 3.
Hearst Castle will reopen Monday to the public for normal tour operations. The fire continues to burn near Bryson Hesperia in Monterey County and Fort Hunter Liggett which affects 224 residents. Fire hand crews continue working in very steep terrain, particularly on the northwest perimeter of the fire line, with very dry brush, chaparral, and dead timber. Fire personnel continue to work around the clock to contain and control the fire.
160 structures remain threatened. 49 homes have been destroyed as well as 21 additional structures. 8 other structures have been damaged. Evacuation orders have been lifted for all San Luis Obispo County residents. The evacuation order remains in effect for Bryson‐Hesperia area of Monterey County. The road closure located at Interlake Road and Bryson Hesperia Road remains in effect.
Cal Fire asks the public adhere to all orders, warnings, road closures and detours. Fire personnel are working in extreme fire conditions around the clock to contain and control the fire.
For updates on air quality and smoke advisories, visit http://www.slocleanair.org.
Current Chimney Fire stats
- Total Fire Personnel: 3,792
- Total Fire Engines: 258
- Total Fire Crews: 109
- Total Airtankers: 4
- Total Helicopters: 14
- Total Dozers: 45
- Total Water Tenders: 66
More than 100 Flamson Middle School students showed their support for firefighters Friday morning. As fire engines drove by, the firefighters honked and turned on their sirens. Photo by Beth Brennan.
Update posted Aug. 26, 8:00 a.m.
Hearst Castle and property remain threatened
–As of Aug. 25, at 6 a.m., the Chimney Fire burning on Running Deer Rd. and Chimney Rock Rd. south of Lake Nacimiento is at 45,008 acres and is 47-percent contained.1,898 structures remain threatened. 49 homes have been destroyed as well as 21 additional structures. 8 other structures have been damaged.
Overnight, the fire behavior remained active, but cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity helped firefighters increase containment lines throughout the night. Today, anticipated onshore low-level flow will strengthen, with a deeper marine layer, leading to lower temperatures.
The Hearst Castle and Hearst Castle Infrastructure remain threatened. Threats remain with evacuation orders to Oak Shores, Christmas Cove, Cal Shasta, Bryson Hesperia and Lake San Antonio.
Pacific Gas and Electric has restored power to all customers who can be restored.
Fire containment as of Thursday afternoon. The x-marks indicate containment lines.
Cal Fire asks the public adhere to all orders, warnings, road closures and detours. Fire personnel are working in extreme fire conditions around the clock to contain and control the fire.
For updates on air quality and smoke advisories, visit http://www.slocleanair.org.
Current Chimney Fire stats
- Total Fire Personnel: 4,028
- Total Fire Engines: 328
- Total Fire Crews: 106
- Total Airtankers: 7
- Total Helicopters: 16
- Total Dozers: 46
- Total Water Tenders: 69
Evacuation orders
Evacuation orders were lifted for the communities of Tri-County, Cal Shasta, Rancho Del Lago, and South Shore Village on Thursday, Aug. 25, at 12 p.m. Property owners and residents of the Tri-County, Cal-Shasta, Rancho Del Lago and South Shore Village Ranch Communities are asked to carry a government issued identification card, current utility bill, or other similar evidence showing an address within Tri-County, Cal-Shasta, Rancho Del Lago, and South Shore Village.
Evacuation orders remain in place for Christmas Cove, Oak Shores, North Shore Boat and Ski, Laguna Vista, Lake San Antonio, Sapaqua Valley, and Bryson Hesperia in both San Luis Obispo and Monterey Counties.
Members of the general public are asked to avoid the Tri-County, Cal-Shasta, Rancho Del Lago, and South Shore Village area due to large numbers of fire resources in the area and to respect private property rights of these communities.
Evacuation centers
San Luis Obispo County: Shelter is at Flamson Middle School- 24th Street at Spring Street in Paso Robles.
Monterey County – Red Cross Evacuation Center – Lockwood Community Center, 65961 Lockwood/San Lucas Rd. Lockwood, CA 93932
Small Animals – Chimney Fire Animal Shelter can be contacted at (805) 423-4934
Large Animals – Horse Emergency Evacuation Team (HEET) 805-466-7457
Large and Small Animals – Chimney Fire Animal Relief (805) 423-4934
Road & Waterway Closures
G14 Interlake Road from Lake Nacimiento Dam to Bryson Hesperia Road. Traffic control points are being manned by CHP at Interlake Road at Bryson Hesperia Road, as well as Interlake Road at Lake Nacimiento. Las Tables arm on Lake Nacimiento is closed. All boating activity is closed west of the Las Tables arm on Lake Nacimiento, including all vessel launching west of Las Tables arm on Lake Nacimiento.
Picture from Cal Fire Twitter.
Update posted Aug. 25, 6:30 a.m.
Hearst Castle remains threatened
–As of Aug. 25, at 6 a.m., the Chimney Fire burning on Running Deer Rd. and Chimney Rock Rd. south of Lake Nacimiento is at 43,633 acres and is 39-percent contained. Cal Fire estimates containment by Sept. 3. A total of 68 structures have been destroyed, including 48 homes. 8 additional structures have been damaged.
Due to the fire, Pacific Gas and Electric currently has 57 customers without power. Cal Fire requested that PG&E keep certain power lines in the area de-energized for the safety of fire personnel.
Overnight, fire behavior was active with winds driving the fire into the northwestern region. Winds were west to northwest with temperatures in the mid 50’s and higher relative humidity which helped firefighters reinforce containment lines. The Hearst Castle and Hearst Castle Infrastructure remain threatened.
With increased traffic and schools back in session, Cal Fire is asking citizens to remain vigilant of emergency personnel and equipment throughout the community. Threats remain to Oak Shores, Christmas Cove, South Shore Village, Rancho Del Lago, Cal Shasta, Bryson Hesperia and Lake San Antonio. As with all evacuation orders and warnings, these are implemented for the safety of the public and firefighters. Fire personnel are working in extreme fire conditions around the clock to contain and control the fire.
Cal Fire asks the public adhere to all orders, warnings, road closures and detours. Fire personnel are working in extreme fire conditions around the clock to contain and control the fire.
For updates on air quality and smoke advisories, visit http://www.slocleanair.org.
Current Chimney Fire stats
- Engines: 327
- Water Tenders: 60
- Helicopters: 16
- Air Tankers: 7
- Hand Crews: 105
- Dozers: 46
- Other: 3
- Total Personnel: 3,972
Evacuation orders
Evacuation warning has been issued for San Luis Obispo County residents living north of San Simeon Creek Road, including Van Gordon Creek Road, Keystone Mine Road and Red Mountain Road. Evacuation orders are in place for Christmas Cove, Oak Shores, North Shore Boat and Ski, Laguna Vista, South Shore Village, Rancho Del Lago, Cal Shasta, Lake San Antonio, Sapaqua Valley, and Bryson Hesperia in both San Luis Obispo and Monterey Counties. Any residents that have yet to evacuate are asked to do so immediately due to increasing fire activity in your immediate area.
Evacuation centers
San Luis Obispo County: Shelter is at Flamson Middle School- 24th Street at Spring Street in Paso Robles.
Monterey County – Red Cross Evacuation Center – Lockwood Community Center, 65961 Lockwood/San Lucas Rd. Lockwood, CA 93932
Small Animals – Chimney Fire Animal Shelter can be contacted at (805) 423-4934
Large Animals – Horse Emergency Evacuation Team (HEET) 805-466-7457
Large and Small Animals – Chimney Fire Animal Relief (805) 423-4934
Road & Waterway Closures
G14 Interlake Road from Lake Nacimiento Dam to Bryson Hesperia Road. Traffic control points are being manned by CHP at Interlake Road at Bryson Hesperia Road, as well as Interlake Road at Lake Nacimiento. Las Tables arm on Lake Nacimiento is closed. All boating activity is closed.
Sun setting over Paso Robles with smoke and ash filling the sky. Photo by David Bouillez.
Update posted Aug. 24, 7 a.m.
–As of Aug. 24, at 6:15 a.m., the Chimney Fire burning on Running Deer Rd. and Chimney Rock Rd. south of Lake Nacimiento is at 38,956 acres and is 39-percent contained. A total of 65 structures have been destroyed, including 45 homes; 7 additional structures have been damaged. 1,898 structures remain threatened.
On Tuesday afternoon Cal Fire closed Lake Nacimiento to boating at the Las Tables arm. All boating activity is closed west of the Las Tables arm on Lake Nacimiento, including all vessel launching west of Las Tables arm on Lake Nacimiento.
Due to the fire, Pacific Gas and Electric currently has 1,375 customers without power. Cal Fire requested that PG&E keep certain powerlines in the area de-energized for the safety of fire personnel. Once permitted to do so by Cal Fire, PG&E will begin restoring power to residents in the area as soon as possible.
On Tuesday, fire behavior remained extreme, however operations were reportedly successful to help secure fire lines, and continued throughout the night within various areas of the fire perimeter.
Threats remain to Oak Shores, Christmas Cove, South Shore Village, Rancho Del Lago, Cal Shasta, Bryson Hesperia and Lake San Antonio. As with all evacuation orders and warnings, these are implemented for the safety of the public and firefighters.
Cal Fire asks the public adhere to all orders, warnings, road closures and detours. Fire personnel are working in extreme fire conditions around the clock to contain and control the fire.
For updates on air quality and smoke advisories, visit http://www.slocleanair.org.
Current Chimney Fire stats
- Total Fire Personnel: 3,983
- Total Fire Engines: 326
- Total Fire Crews: 107
- Total Airtankers: 7
- Total Helicopters: 17
- Total Dozers: 46
- Total Water Tenders: 62
Evacuation orders
Evacuation orders are in place for Christmas Cove, Oak Shores, North Shore Boat and Ski, Laguna Vista, South Shore Village, Rancho Del Lago, Cal Shasta, Lake San Antonio, Sapaqua Valley, and Bryson Hesperia in both San Luis Obispo and Monterey Counties. Any residents that have yet to evacuate are asked to do so immediately due to increasing fire activity in your immediate area.
Evacuation centers
San Luis Obispo County: Shelter is at Flamson Middle School- 24th Street at Spring Street in Paso Robles.
Monterey County – Red Cross Evacuation Center – Lockwood Community Center, 65961 Lockwood/San Lucas Rd. Lockwood, CA 93932
Small Animals – Chimney Fire Animal Shelter can be contacted at (805)423-4934
Large Animals – Horse Emergency Evacuation Team (HEET) 805-466-7457
Large and Small Animials – Chimney Fire Animal Relief (805)423-4934
Road closures
Road Closures: G14 Interlake Road from Lake Nacimiento Dam to Bryson Hesperia Road. Traffic control points are being manned by CHP at Interlake Road at Bryson Hesperia Road, as well as Interlake Road at Lake Nacimiento.
Updated Chimney Fire map from Cal Fire Aug. 23.
Update posted Aug. 23, 7:50 a.m.
–Conditions at the Chimney Fire northwest of Paso Robles remained extreme overnight, Cal Fire reports. A total of 52 structures have been destroyed by the fire, including 36 homes. Some 1,896 structures are currently threatened by the fire.
The fire continued to burn in steep terrain, along with very dry brush and timber. Once the morning inversion dissipates, winds will increase out of the south to southwest at 10 MPH with gusts around 20 MPH.
Threats remain to Oak Shores, Christmas Cove, South Shore Village, Rancho Del Lago, Cal Shasta, Bryson Hesperia and Lake San Antonio. As with all evacuation orders and warnings, these are implemented for the safety of the public and firefighters.
Cal Fire asks the public adhere to all orders, warnings, road closures and detours. Fire personnel are working in extreme fire conditions around the clock to contain and control the fire.
Current Chimney Fire stats
- Total fire personnel: 3,983
- Total fire engines: 326
- Total hand crews: 107
- Total air tankers: 7
- Total helicopters: 17
- Total dozers: 46
- Total water tenders: 62
Evacuation orders
Evacuation orders are in place for Christmas Cove, Oak Shores, North Shore Boat and Ski, Laguna Vista, South Shore Village, Rancho Del Lago, Cal Shasta, Lake San Antonio, Sapaqua Valley, and Bryson Hesperia in both San Luis Obispo and Monterey Counties. Any residents that have yet to evacuate are asked to do so immediately due to increasing fire activity in your immediate area.
Evacuation centers
San Luis Obispo County: Shelter is at Flamson Middle School- 24th Street at Spring Street in Paso Robles.
Monterey County – Red Cross Evacuation Center – Lockwood Community Center, 65961 Lockwood/San Lucas Rd. Lockwood, CA 93932
Small Animals – Chimney Fire Animal Shelter can be contacted at (805)423-4934
Large Animals – Horse Emergency Evacuation Team (HEET) 805-466-7457
Large and Small Animials – Chimney Fire Animal Relief (805)423-4934
Road closures
G14 Interlake Road from Lake Nacimiento Dam to Bryson Hesperia Road. Traffic control points are being manned by CHP at Interlake Road at Bryson Hesperia Road, as well as Interlake Road at Lake Nacimiento.
Update posted Aug. 22, 7:30 a.m.
Update: Chimney Fire grows to 31,644 acres, 35-percent contained
–The Chimney Fire burning northwest of Paso Robles has grown to 31,644 acres and is 35-percent contained. 1,866 structures are currently threatened; 48 structures have been destroyed and 7 have been damaged.
Currently there are 3,519 personnel assigned to fight the fire, with 93 crews, 7 airtankers, 14 helicopters, 47 dozers, and 43 water tenders. Cooperating Agencies: California Highway Patrol, San Luis Obispo County Sheriff, Red Cross, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Conservation Corps, PG&E, San Luis Obispo Air Quality Board, San Luis Obispo Public Works, Paso Robles Fire Department, Monterey Co. Water Resource Board, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, US Army Camp Roberts, CAL-OES, San Luis Obispo OES, Monterey County Sheriff, Monterey County OES, and USFS.
Road Closures: G14 Interlake Road west of the Lake Nacimiento Dam. At the intersection of Tierra Redonda at Lynch Canyon Rd. No traffic west of Tierra Redonda on Lynch Canyon.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
For updates on air quality and smoke advisories, visit http://www.slocleanair.org
Evacuation information
There are evacuation orders as of 7:30 p.m. Aug. 21, for Bee Rock and surrounding communities on Interlake Road west of the Lake Nacimiento Dam. The following communities remain under evacuation orders: Cal Shasta, Rancho del Lago, South Shore Village, Christmas Cove, Oak Shores and Bryson Hesperia in both San Luis Obispo and Monterey Counties.
San Luis Obispo County: Shelter is at Flamson Middle School- 24th Street at Spring Street in Paso Robles.
Monterey County – Red Cross Evacuation Center – Lockwood Community Center, 65961 Lockwood/San Lucas Rd. Lockwood, CA 93932
Small Animals – Chimney Fire Animal Shelter can be contacted at (805) 423-4934
Large Animals – Horse Emergency Evacuation Team (HEET) 805-466-7457
Large and Small Animals – Chimney Fire Animal Relief (805) 423-4934
Members of the general public are asked to avoid the Running Deer Ranch area due to large numbers of fire resources in the area and to respect private property rights of the communities of Running Deer Ranch.
Map of Chimney Fire by ENPLAN.
Updated Aug. 21, 7:30 a.m.
The Chimney Fire burning northwest of Paso Robles nearly doubled from 13,000 to over 24,000 acres in the last 24 hours. It is currently 35-percent contained, Cal Fire reports. The growing fire forced Hearst Castle to close Saturday and Sunday. The fire caused new evacuation orders for Oak Shores, Christmas Cove, and Bryson Hesperia.
Evacuation orders were lifted briefly at noon and then reinstated at 9:30 p.m. for the communities of Running Deer Ranch, Tri-County, Cal Shasta, Rancho de Lago, and South Shore Village.
Hot and dry conditions were experienced across the fire area over the last day with extreme fire behavior, causing the fire to move north and west in steep terrain and drought stressed vegetation. Fire is currently burning through Rocky Butte area and Tobacco Flats. Firefighters will continue constructing containment lines while strengthening and securing control lines.
A total of 48 structures have been destroyed and 332 are threatened.
Current Chimney Fire stats
- Total fire personnel: 2,938
- Total fire engines: 224
- Total hand crews: 76
- Total air tankers: 7
- Total helicopters: 14
- Total dozers: 47
- Total water tenders: 45
Hard Road Closures – At Gage Irving road north of Allen road which effects Cal Shasta, Rancho del Lago and South Shore Village. In the Bryson Hesperia community, traffic is closed west of G14 (Tierra Redonda) on Lynch Canyon Road.
For updates on air quality and smoke advisories, visit http://www.slocleanair.org
Update posted Aug. 20, 7 a.m.
–As of Aug. 19 at 6 p.m., the Chimney Fire burning near Lake Nacimiento is 35-percent contained at 12,939 acres. 232 structures are threatened, 45 have been destroyed and 7 damaged. Mandatory evacuations are in place for the communities of Running Deer Ranch, Tri-County, Cal Shasta, Rancho de Lago, and South Shore Village. A road closure is in effect at the intersection of Chimney Rock Road and Running Deer Road.
Cooperating agencies include: California Highway Patrol, San Luis Obispo County Sheriff, Red Cross, San Luis Obispo Office of Emergency Services, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Conservation Corps, PG&E, San Luis Obispo Air Quality Board, San Luis Obispo Public Works, Paso Robles Fire Department, Monterey Co. Water Resource Board, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, US Army Camp Roberts, USFS, CAL-OES
- Total fire personnel: 2,699
- Total fire engines: 218
- Total fire crews: 71
- Total airtankers: 7
- Total helicopters: 14
- Total dozers: 50
- Total water tenders: 35
Hot and dry conditions were experienced across the fire area Friday with extreme fire behavior observed on the west-side. The Governor has declared a State of Emergency in San Luis Obispo County. As the fire continues to burn throughout the night, residents with a vantage point from the Cambria area may see more visible fire activity however, Cambria is not currently threatened. Tonight, firefighters will continue constructing containment lines while strengthening and securing control lines.
For updates on air quality and smoke advisories, visit http://www.slocleanair.org
Smoke on the lake by Trisha Butcher.
Update posted Aug. 19, 7 a.m.
–As of Aug. 19 at 6:45 a.m. the Chimney Fire burning near Running Deer Rd & Chimney Rock Rd south of Lake Nacimiento is at 11,999 acres and is 33-percent contained
Some 232 structures are threatened, 45 have been destroyed and 7 have been damaged. There are mandatory evacuations in place for the Communities of Running Deer Ranch, Tri-County, Cal Shasta, Rancho de Lago, and South Shore Village. There is a road closure at the intersection of Chimney Rock Road and Running Deer Road.
Cooperating Agencies are: USFS, California Highway Patrol, San Luis Obispo County Sheriff, Red Cross, CAL-OES, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Conservation Corps, PG&E, San Luis Obispo Air Quality Board, San Luis Obispo Public Works, Paso Robles Fire Department, Monterey Co. Water Resource Board, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, US Army Camp Roberts.
2,459 total fire personnel are battling the blaze, with 170 total fire engines, 71 fire crews, 7 airtankers, 13 helicopters, 38 dozers and 34 water tenders.
Yesterday, extreme fire behavior was observed on the west side of the fire. As the fire continued to burn throughout the night, residents with a vantage point from the Cambria area may have seen more visible fire activity; however, Cambria is not currently threatened. As always, please dial 9-1-1 to report a new fire in your area.
Residents throughout the region may see or smell drift smoke overnight and in the coming days. For updates on air quality and smoke advisories, please visit the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District at http://www.slocleanair.org.
For more information on how you can prepare for wildland fire, please visit the www.readyforwildfire.org and www.fire.ca.gov websites.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Pic from Cal Fire Facebook.
Update posted Aug. 18
–The Chimney Fire burning south of Lake Nacimiento is at 8,300 acres and is 30-percent contained as of 6:45 a.m. 45 structures have been destroyed and 7 have been damaged. Evacuations are still in effect in the communities of Running Deer Ranch, Tri-County, Cal Shasta, Rancho de Lago, and South Shore Village. There is a road closure at the intersection of Chimney Rock Road and Running Deer Road.
There is a total of 2,312 personnel on the fire, with 165 fire engines, 68 fire crews, 7 air tankers, 13 helicopters, 28 dozers and 34 water tenders.
Cooperating agencies are: USFS, California Highway Patrol, San Luis Obispo County Sheriff, Red Cross, CAL-OES, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Conservation Corps, PG&E, San Luis Obispo Air Quality Board, San Luis Obispo Public Works, Paso Robles Fire Department, Monterey Co. Water Resource Board, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, US Army Camp Roberts.
To date, 32 residences and 13 outbuilding-type structures have been destroyed; with four residents and three outbuildings damaged. Work by the damage assessment team is ongoing. Cal Fire Incident Management Team 2 is working collaboratively with PG&E to assess damage and restore services in affected areas. A damage assessment has been assigned to the incident.
Tonight, firefighters will continue constructing containment lines while strengthening and securing control lines.
Update posted Aug. 17
Update: Chimney Fire grows to 7,300 acres
Photo by Trisha Butcher at Lake Nacimiento.
40 structures have been destroyed, 6 damaged
Public safety teams are pulling out all of the stops including deploying prisoners to help in combating the Chimney Fire. Contributed by Keith Grommes.
–The Chimney Fire near Lake Nacimiento has grown to 7,300 acres and is 25-percent contained as of Aug. 17, 7:30 a.m. There are currently 232 structures threatened; 40 structures have been destroyed and 6 have been damaged.
Mandatory evacuations have been in effect for the communities of Running Deer Ranch, Tri-County, Cal Shasta, Rancho de Lago, and South Shore Village. A road closure is in effect at the intersection of Chimney Rock Road and Running Deer Road.
There are a total of 2,270 fire personel assigned to the fire, with 165 fire engines, 68 fire crews, 7 airtankers, 13 helicopters, 28 dozers and 34 water tenders.
Cooperating Agencies include USFS, California Highway Patrol, San Luis Obispo County Sheriff, Red Cross, CAL-OES, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Conservation Corps, PG&E, San Luis Obispo Air Quality Board, San Luis Obispo Public Works, Paso Robles Fire Department, Monterey Co. Water Resource Board, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and US Army Camp Roberts.
Hot and dry conditions are expected to continue across the fire area today. Fire behavior remained active overnight. To date, 30 residences and 10 outbuilding-type structures that have been destroyed. Work by the damage assessment team is ongoing.
Cal Fire Incident Management Team 2 is working collaboratively with PG&E to assess damage and restore services in affected areas. A damage assessment has been assigned to the incident. Tonight, firefighters will continue constructing containment lines while strengthening and securing control lines.
For updates, cal the fire information line at (805) 543-2444.
Update posted Aug. 16
Update: Chimney Fire continues to grow, only 10-percent contained
–As of Aug. 16, at 6 a.m., the Chimney Fire burning near Lake Nacimiento is 10-percent contained and has grown to 6,400 acres. 12 structures have been destroyed, and 20 have been damaged; 200 structures are still threatened
Evacuations have been called for the communities of Running Deer Ranch, Tri-County, Cal Shasta, Rancho de Lago, and South Shore Village.
Currently there are 1,675 personnel battling the blaze and providing aid from agencies across the state including: USFS, California Highway Patrol, San Luis Obispo County Sheriff, Red Cross, CAL-OES, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Conservation Corps, PG&E, San Luis Obispo Air Quality Board, San Luis Obispo Public Works, Paso Robles Fire Department, Monterey Co. Water Resource Board, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, US Army Camp Roberts.
The fire continues to burn actively with short range spotting and torching observed. Suppression efforts continue utilizing ground and air resources. Powerlines are down throughout the fire area. Cal Fire Incident Management Team 2 is working collaboratively with PG&E to assess damage and restore services in effected areas. A damage assessment has been assigned to the incident. Tonight, firefighters will continue constructing containment lines while strengthening and securing control lines.
For updates, cal the fire information line at (805) 543-2444.
Original story posted Aug 15
Neighborhoods evacuated due to threat of spreading fire
Firefighters battle blazes at Nacimiento fire
–The fire located at Running Deer Rd & Chimney Rock Rd south of Lake Nacimiento has grown to 4,300 acres and is 10-percent contained as of 10 a.m., Aug. 15. So far the fire has destroyed 12 structures and damaged 20. 250 homes have been evacuated, and there are currently 200 structures threatened.
Reports cite over 500 fire personnel are actively working on putting a halt to the fire. There are over 80 firefighter groups, 11 helicopters, several ground crews and several dozers fighting the fires. A Red Cross center has been established at Paso Robles Flamson Middle School.
The fires started at around 4 p.m, on Saturday, near Running Deer Rd. and Chimney Rock Rd. No determination, as yet, as to what caused the fire. It is under investigation.
Photo by Trisha Butcher.
There is hard closure at Chimney Rock Rd. and Running Deer Rd. Areas affected are Running Deer, Cal Shasta, South Shore Village, Tri-County and Rancho Del Lago.
The weather on Sunday reached 104 degrees and the winds were mild traveling southwest. Vegetation is rough and dry and primed for easily catching fire. There is a control line among the firefighters in place, which is crucial to spotting embers that are carried on the wind through a smoke funnel. The smoke funnel carries sparks ahead causing the fire to further spread. The “spotting” crew forges ahead to stop the potential danger of spreading fire.
Weather and conditions are expected to remain the same today.
Public can call (805) 543-2444 for information. Officials ask that you do not call 911 requesting information.
Comments
