Chimney, San Luis Obispo County

Chimney, San Luis Obispo Unit, Cal Fire. Fifteen miles west of Paso Robles, CA. Timber and chaparral. Moderate fire behavior. Structures threatened.

September 5, 2016 at 9:20 AM

Fire control lines continue hold. Solar heating and light winds causing hot smoldering debris to smokeinside of the control line. lines are being strengthened by aggressive mop up on the perimeter of the fire. Significant smoke was present in the greater Heritage Ranch area from the Soberanes fire burning 40 miles to the north in Big Sur. Suppression repair will continue for several weeks. Light wispy smoke will be in the area for several days.

September 2, 2016 at 8:30 AM

Today, firefighters continued to make progress towards full containment of the fire. Fire crews will remain throughout the fire perimeter in the coming weeks to provide fire suppression repair, remove firefighting equipment, mop up and patrol. Please drive slowly and use caution as emergency crews and equipment are still working in the area. CAL FIRE urges those that see significant smoke to call 9-1-1. As fires continue to threaten our communities, resources are being effectively appropriated to battle wildland fires across the State of California.

CAL FIRE Incident Management Team #2 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 SLU unit Friday, September 2, at 9:00 AM.

September 1, 2016 at 8:37 AM

Overnight, crews continued to make progress constructing and maintaining containment lines, as well as extinguishing hot spots within the fire perimeter. Today, firefighters will continue to make progress towards full containment of the fire. Crews will remain throughout the fire perimeter into next week to remove all firefighting equipment. As fires continue to threaten our communities, resources are being effectively appropriated to battle wildland fires across the State of California.

We urge those who do not have homes and/or businesses in the area to stay out. Unified command with Fort Hunter Liggett and Los Padres National Forest.

August 30, 2016 at 9:10 AM

No update available yet. Map reflects the latest acreage.

August 29, 2016 at 8:21 AM

Today, Hearst Castle will reopen 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.

August 28, 2016 at 10:09 AM

The fire is currently burning near the Rocky Butte area in San Luis Obispo County, Bryson Hesperia in Monterey County, and Fort Hunter Liggett. The Hearst Castle and Hearst Castle Infrastructure continue to be threatened. Threats remain to Bryson Hesperia in Monterey County.

Fire hand crews will be working in very steep terrain, particularly on the northwest perimeter of the active fire line, with very dry brush, chaparral, and dead timber.

August 27, 2016 at 11:14 AM

The fire continues to challenge control lines on the northwest and southwest fire line because of steep inaccessible terrain and drought stressed brush, chaparral, and dead timber. The main water supply for Hearst property and Hearst San Simeon State Park remained threatened. The Hearst Castle and Hearst Castle Infrastructure continue to be threatened. Evacuation order remains in effect for Bryson-Hesperia area of Monterey County. Fire personnel continue to work around the clock to contain and control the fire. Please do your part to be prepared to evacuate by visiting www.readyforwildfire.org. The public is reminded to use caution as emergency crews and equipment are still working in the fire area. Unified command with Fort Hunter Liggett and Los Padres National Forest.

The evacuation order remains in effect for Bryson-Hesperia area of Monterey County.

The evacuation order has been lifted for San Luis Obispo County, north of Lake Nacimiento and south of the San Luis Obispo/Monterey County line. This includes the communities of Christmas Cove, Oak Shore, and Bee Rock.

The evacuation warning has been lifted for north of San Simeon Creek Road; including Van Gordon Creek Road, Keystone Mine Road, and Red Mountain Road.

For residents repopulating areas please remember that Interlake Road is still closed for southbound traffic at Interlake Road and Bryson-Hesteria Road, and at Interlake Road and Wendy Way (at the Monterey County Line) for northbound traffic.

Yesterday, at 5:00 p.m. 8/26/16 the American Red Cross has transitioned to standby mode to serve any residents that may need assistance. If you have been effected by the Chimney Fire and need assistance please call (805) 250-1353.

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

The road closure located at Interlake Road and Bryson Hesperia Road remains in effect. The 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.

August 26, 2016 at 7:24 AM

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. 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. Please do your part to be prepared to evacuate by visiting www.readyforwildfire.org. Unified command with Fort Hunter Liggett and Los Padres National Forest.

Evacuation orders were lifted for the communities of Tri-County, Cal Shasta, Rancho Del Lago, and South Shore Village on Thursday, August 25, 2016 at 12:00 PM. 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.

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. 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.

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.

August 24, 2016 at 8:24 AM

Overnight, fire behavior remained active. Firefighters were successfully able to minimize further progression of the fire line and increased containment overnight. With increased traffic and schools back in session, we ask people 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. Please 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. Please do your part to be prepared to evacuate by visiting www.readyforwildfire.org.

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.

45 residences and 20 other structures destroyed, 7 damaged.

Evacuation Centers:
Flamson Middle School
2405 Spring Street
Paso Robles, CA 93446

• 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

August 23, 2016 at 7:41 AM

Overnight, fire behavior remained extreme. 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 10MPH with gusts around 20MPH. Temperatures and relative humidity will become wide spread, with temperatures in the 70’s on the western perimeter, to readings in the 90’s east of Rocky Butte Truck Trail. Upper level winds will turn out of north to northwest today, which will allow for the smoke aloft to drift towards the south-southeast of the Chimney Fire. 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. Please 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.

August 22, 2016 at 7:17 AM

The fire continues to challenge control lines due to steep inaccessible terrain. Threat to Hearst Castle, Hearst infrastructure and The Narrows. Threat to main water supply for Hearst property and Hearst San Simeon State Park. Federal air and ground resources committed

August 21, 2016 at 9:47 PM

Today the fire behavior remained extreme and continued to challenge the control lines. There was a wide spread in weather conditions that ranged from temperatures in the 70’s with humidity around 50 percent across the western perimeter, to readings in the 90’s with humidity in the teens east of the Rocky Butte Truck Trail causing extreme and erratic fire behavior. The fire continues to move north towards Bryson Hesperia and east towards San Antonio Reservoir. Threats remain to Oak Shores, Christmas Cove, and Bryson Hesperia. Damage assessments are ongoing

August 21, 2016 at 9:45 PM

There are evacuation orders as of 7:30PM August 21, 2016 for Bee Rock and surrounding communities on G14 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 Animials – Chimney Fire Animal Relief (805)423-4934

August 21, 2016 at 11:32 AM

Overnight, fire behavior remained extreme. Dry and drought stressed timber, chaparral, and grass in the steep inaccessible terrain continue to challenge control lines. The fire continues to move north and west in steep terrain and drought stressed vegetation. For updates on air quality and smoke advisories, visit http://www.slocleanair.org

August 20, 2016 at 9:33 PM

Hot and dry conditions were experienced across the fire area today with extreme fire behavior, causing the fire to move north and west in steep terrain and drought stressed vegetation. Fire is currently burning thru Rocky Butte area and Tobacco Flats. 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

Evacuations:

Order: Communities in San Luis Obispo County are Cal Shasta, Rancho de Lago, South Shore Village, Christmas Cove, Oak Shores. Bryson Hesperia in both San Luis Obispo and Monterey County.
Shelter is at Flamson Middle School- 24th Street at Spring Street in Paso Robles.
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
Monterey County – An Evacuation Warning has been issued for Bryson Hesperia Community.

Effective Saturday, August 20, 2016 at 12:00 PM – Residents that evacuation orders for the Communities of Running Deer Ranch, Tri-County, Cal Shasta, Rancho de Lago, and South Shore Village will be lifted.

The Communities of Running Deer Ranch, including Tri-County, Cal-Shasta, Rancho Del Lago and South Shore Village are private gated communities. As such, Running Deer road is not open to the general public. Property owners and residents of the Running Deer Ranch Communities are asked to carry a government issued identification card, current utility bill, or other similar evidence showing an address within Running Deer Ranch.

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.

We encourage the public to remain prepared year-round for wildfires by visiting the www.readyforwildfire.org website. The best show of support is having your home and property “fire-ready”.

August 20, 2016 at 5:03 PM

San Luis Obispo County – An Evacuation Order has been issued for Christmas Cove and Oak Shores Community.

Monterey County – An Evacuation Warning has been issued for Bryson Hesperia Community

August 20, 2016 at 10:03 AM

Fire behavior remained active overnight with winds out of the east, causing the fire to cross Rocky Butte Ridge. Hot and dry conditions are forecasted in the region today. Hearst Castle and Hearst Castle Infrastructure are threatened, but evacuations have not been issued.

Residents throughout the area may see or smell drift smoke. For updates on air quality and smoke advisories, please visit the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District at http://www.slocleanair.org.

Evacuations: Mandatory: The Communities of Running Deer Ranch, Tri-County, Cal Shasta, Rancho de Lago, and South Shore Village

Road Closures: At the intersection of Chimney Rock Road and Running Deer Road.

August 18, 2016 at 6:54 PM

The CAL FIRE San Luis Unit has received reports of illegal requests for donations for firefighters.  CAL FIRE does not, and is not soliciting donations. If you were contacted, please attempt to secure the caller’s name and contact number. Please report this information to the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office at (805) 781-5800.

August 17, 2016 at 8:22 PM

Moderate fire behavior was observed today with short-range spotting and single-tree torching. 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.

August 17, 2016 at 8:09 AM

Road Closures: At the intersection of Chimney Rock Road and Running Deer Road.

Situation: 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.

Cooperating Agencies: 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.

August 16, 2016 at 9:24 PM

Hot and dry conditions were experienced across the fire area today; and these conditions are expected to continue for the next several days. Moderate fire behavior was observed today with short-range spotting and single-tree torching. The Damage Team’s assessment for this operational period have identified a total of 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.

August 16, 2016 at 7:00 AM

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.

August 15, 2016 at 6:31 PM

12 structures destroyed, 20 damaged.

August 15, 2016 at 5:08 PM

Governor Brown Declares State of Emergency in San Luis Obispo County Due to Chimney Fire.

August 15, 2016 at 12:49 PM

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to assist the State of California to combat the Chimney Fire burning in San Luis Obispo County.

August 15, 2016 at 11:48 AM

Last night firefighters were able to make some progress due to cooler temperatures and higher humidity over the fire. High temperatures and low humidity will continue for the next few days. Today firefighters will continue to actively battle the fire from the air and on the ground. They will also continue to construct containment lines while strengthening and securing control lines.

As of 7:00 am, CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 2 has taken command of the Incident.

August 14, 2016 at 9:43 AM

The fire remained active over the night until about 1am when an inversion layer blanketed the fire slowing the growth. Fire crews had success with a tactical firing operation to protect homes and gain control lines.

Today, the inversion layer is already lifting revealing more active fire behavior. The weather will again be hot and is expected to reach 95 degrees with slightly higher humidity. However, the vegetation is largely grass and drought stressed oak woodland making the vegetation very susceptible to fire.

The fire started southwest of Lake Nacimiento in the community of Running Deer Ranch and firefighting efforts are ongoing off Gage Irving Rd. Large air tankers are on-scene fighting the fire. CAL FIRE San Luis Obispo has activated a local type III incident management team. Today the Incident Management Team should be transitioning in to command. Large resource requests have been made and are responding to the fire.

Evacuations are in place in the area of Running Deer Ranch with access to the Gage Irving Rd from Aluffo Rd to the south to Running Deer Rd.

However, the area of Running Deer Ranch that includes Tri-County and Cal Shasta which are off Gage Irving Road north of Cow Camp Loop has been isolated by fire and a decision to have this area shelter-in-place has been made.

Fire Crews are working to establish access for Deputies to enter the area for route alerting and to patrol the area. A second reverse 911 message has been sent to this zone advising to shelter-in-place, remain alert to changing fire conditions and be prepared for immediate evacuation if necessary.

August 13, 2016 at 7:00 PM

Fire evacuations underway in the Running Deer Ranch Area of Lake Nacimiento  Evacuees are being directed to High Meadow Way and Bobcat Lane.

Fire is burning at a rapid rate of spread. Big resource orders are being placed.  @RedCrossCoast team has been activated for the ChimneyFire. Stay tuned for shelter details coming soon.