Rey, Santa Barbara

Rey, Los Padres NF. Seven miles north of Goleta, CA. Chaparral. Minimal fire behavior. Area and trail closures in effect. Last report unless significant activity occurs.

September 1, 2016 at 7:16 AM

Yesterday fire crews constructed direct line on the remaining uncontained fireline on the north side of the fire. These efforts increased the overall containment to 96 percent.

Today crews will focus their efforts on the remaining suppression repair, mop-up and patrolling, making sure that the fire perimeter is secure and suppressing hot spots.

Fire suppression repair is almost completed. Crews have completed approximately 99 percent of suppression repair; 46 miles of road that was used as fireline has been repaired, along with 44 miles of dozer line, 20 miles of handline, 2.4 miles of chipping and .1 miles of fencing has been repaired.

The command of the Rey Fire will transfer from CIIMT1 (McGowan) to the Los Padres National Forest (Domingues) at 6 p.m. today. Several crews and a helicopter will still be patrolling and watching for hot spots near the firelines under the command of the new Incident Commander. Residents and visitors should expect to see smoke coming from the interior of the fire area for the next couple of weeks as these crews continue patrol and suppression efforts on the Rey Fire.

August 31, 2016 at 8:14 AM

Yesterday fire crews constructed direct line  on the remaining uncontained fireline on the north side of the fire. These efforts increased the overall containment to 87 percent. Fire activity was minimal with no growth.

Today crews will again focus their efforts on the remaining uncontained fireline on the north flank of the fire, making sure that the fire perimeter is secure and suppressing hot spots. Crews continue to deal with rough terrain in that area. The rest of the fire perimeter is in patrol and mop-up status.

The command of the Rey Fire will transfer from CIIMT1 (McGowan) to the local unit’s tomorrow, September 1 at 6 p.m. Tomorrow will be the last information update.

Fire suppression repair is progressing on contingency and firelines. Crews have completed approximately 81 percent of suppression repair; 44 miles of road that was used as fireline has been repaired, 32 miles of dozer line and 14 miles of handline. Waterbars, berm removal and brush chipping continue along the Camino Cielo and Pendola contingency lines.

August 30, 2016 at 9:07 AM

Fire activity continues to be minimal with no growth. Fire crews are making good progress in securing containment lines on the north side of the fires. These efforts increased the overall containment to 78 percent.

Today crews will focus on building direct line on the remaining uncontained fireline on the north flank of the fire. Mop-up and patrol for isolated hot spots will continue on the other portions of the fire perimeter.

Fire suppression repair continues on several portions of the fire. Crews have completed approximately 26 percent of suppression repair; 23.5 miles of road that was used as fireline has been repaired and 2.9 miles of dozer line. Other repair efforts include chipping brush, creating waterbars and removing berms along firelines and contingency lines.

Fire Weather: A Red Flag Warning remains in effect through Wednesday morning for Sundowner winds and low relative humidity. High pressure will remain in the area through today with continued hot and dry weather. Today’s temperatures will be in the high 90s and winds out of the west 5-9 mph, gusts up to 20 mph.

August 29, 2016 at 7:36 AM

Last night the fire showed minimal activity and no growth. Fire crews patrolled the perimeter looking for isolated heat sources.

The priority for today will be securing and mopping-up the remaining uncontained fireline on the northeast corner of the fire. Fire crews will continue to build direct handline from Mono Creek through Pie Canyon and Indian Creek drainage. Mop-up and patrol will continue on the other portions of the fire.

Fire suppression repair efforts are in progress. Crews are chipping brush that was cut to create firelines and contingency lines on the southern portion of the fire. In other areas, crews are installing waterbars on firelines and removing berms.

Fire Weather: A high pressure system arrived this morning bringing with it warmer and drier weather. Winds will be variable up to 5 mph through late morning, then west 3-6 mph with gusts to 14 mph. Northeast winds are expected along the ridges from 10-13 mph.

August 28, 2016 at 10:18 AM

Effective immediately, The Rey Fire Unified Command in conjunction with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is closing Painted Cave Road at Hwy 154 to all non-residential traffic. This closure is due to the need to keep all of East Camino Ciello closed to the public while fire personnel and equipment are traversing the narrow road to continue the firefighting efforts.

August 28, 2016 at 10:03 AM

The Rey Fire Unified Command in conjunction with California Highway Patrol and the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office will be opening Paradise Road to the public effective Sunday August 28, at 7:30 p.m.

All additional road closures, including East Camino Cielo as well as Gibraltar Rd, are still in effect.

Last night the fire showed minimal activity and no growth. Fire crews patrolled the perimeter looking for isolated heat sources.

The priority for today will be securing and mopping-up the remaining uncontained fireline on the northeast corner of the fire. Fire crews will continue to build direct handline from Mono Creek through Pie Canyon and Indian Creek drainage. Mop-up and patrol will continue on the other portions of the fire.

Fire suppression repair efforts are in progress. Crews are chipping brush that was cut to create firelines and contingency lines on the southern portion of the fire. In other areas, crews are installing waterbars on firelines and removing berms.

Fire Weather: A high pressure system arrived this morning bringing with it warmer and drier weather. Winds will be variable up to 5 mph through late morning, then west 3-6 mph with gusts to 14 mph. Northeast winds are expected along the ridges from 10-13 mph.

August 27, 2016 at 8:29 PM

The fire showed no growth today. Fire crews continued to build direct handline along the north east corner of the fire from Mono Creek through Pie Canyon and Indian Creek drainage.  Air support from helicopters assisted the ground crews efforts in securing the fireline. Fire suppression repair efforts are in progress on contingency lines and the western fire perimeter which has been placed in patrol status.

With the continued containment, tonight will be the last night shift. Crews will monitor and patrol for hot spots inside of the fire perimeter. This will be the final evening update.

Fire Weather: Tonight temperatures will be in the low to mid 60’s with relative humidity reaching 50-55 percent. The marine layer is expected to reach 1800 ft elevation tonight. Ridge winds will be 3-6 mph.

August 27, 2016 at 5:11 PM

The Rey Fire Unified Command in conjunction with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office will be allowing only residents on Gibraltar Road as of 5pm August 27th 2016.

The road will remain closed to the public, and anyone not affiliated with the suppression actions, so that firefighting personnel and equipment are protected as they continue to utilize the road to access the fire. Anyone inside the closure area will be subject to citation.

All additional road closures, are still in effect.

August 26, 2016 at 9:59 AM

Los Padres National Forest officials issued a forest order closing the Rey Fire area on the Santa Barbara Ranger District to the public effective today. Forest Service law enforcement officers will strictly enforce the closure order, which carries a penalty of $5,000 and/or six months in jail. The order will expire when the Rey Fire is fully contained and controlled.

The Rey Fire Closure Area begins at the intersection of the Santa Ynez River and the Forest boundary and continues east along the Santa Ynez River to its intersection with the Potrero Seco Road, then continues north along Potrero Seco Road to its intersection with Don Victor Valley Fire Road. The closure extends northeast along Don Victor Valley Fire Road to its intersection with Jacinto Reyes Scenic Byway and continues north along Jacinto Reyes Scenic Byway to its intersection with California State Highway 33. The closure then extends west along Highway 33 to its intersection with Forest Road 7N04, and continues northwest along Forest Road N704 to its intersection with the gate at Tinta Trailhead. It then continues west along Tinta Trail to its intersection with the gate at Forest Road 8N19 and extends west along Forest Road 8N19 to its intersection with Forest Road 9N11. The closure then continues northeast along Forest Road 9N11 to its intersection with Forest Road 32S13 and extends northeast along Forest Road 21S13 to its intersection with Forest Road 8N09. The closure continues south along Forest Road 8N09 to its intersection with Forest Road 7N07 and extends south along Forest Road 7N07 to its intersection with the Forest boundary, and then continues southeast along the Forest boundary back to the starting point as shown on the attached map.

Closure of the fire area aims to help ensure that members of the public are not injured within the fire perimeter, and for the scorched landscape to begin the rehabilitation process.

August 26, 2016 at 7:33 AM

The fire remained active on the East side until moderated by humidity recovery in the early morning. The fire will continue to actively spread to the Northeast and East of Mono Creek toward Agua Caliente Canyon. Suppression efforts are dependent on access to the line.

This morning’s marine layer will dissipate as low pressure moves east today and tonight. High pressure will build on Saturday. Cooler temperature will occur as a result Friday with highs 75-80 over higher elevations and 80-85 in the Santa Ynez drainage. After a good morning recovery, relative humidity will only fall into the 35-40 percent range Friday. On Saturday it will be warmer with highs in the 80s and humidity in the 30-35 range. .

August 25, 2016 at 7:35 PM

The fire spotted into the Zaca burn scar and around Ogilvy Ranch in the Mono drainage. Resources are currently assessing the possible damage and the extent of the spots.

Tonight crews will be reassessing the fire area to assist in repositioning resources tomorrow.  Infrared flights will take place to spot any possible heat along the constructed line.

Fire Weather: The cooler temperatures forecasted did not materialize today. North west ridge winds of 4-6 mph are expected tonight with a marine layer causing lower humidity levels at lower elevations.

Evacuations & Closures:  Effective at 6 p.m. this evening, people who live or work off of Paradise Road will be allowed to return to the area. The road will remain closed to the public, campers, and anyone not affiliated with the suppression actions, so that firefighting personnel and equipment are protected as they continue to utilize the road to access the fire. Law Enforcement will be checking ID’s so that only residents or employees will be allowed in. All additional road closures, including East Camino Cielo as well as Painted Cave Road, are still in effect.  An evacuation order remains in effect for the Paradise Road recreation areas, parts of Stagecoach Road and the Los Prietos Boys Camp. Campgrounds will remain closed through the weekend.  Highway 154 is open to traffic.

August 25, 2016 at 6:44 AM

Three times within the last six days, drones have entered flight restriction areas, compromising firefighting aircraft and personnel safety.

The fire continues to spread to the Northeast and East in the Dick Smith Wilderness, and toward Mono Creek and Zaca Fire burn scars. Suppression efforts are dependent on access to the line. While it will be cooler, continued gusty N/NE up-canyon winds with gusts to 18 mph are expected.

August 24, 2016 at 9:08 PM

Fire crews continue to improve containment lines and mop up hot spot on the north flank near Old Man Mountain and the south flank north of the Santa Ynez drainage and Gilbraltar Reservoir.  The fire continued backing into Mono Creek on the fire’s east flank and did not crossed the creek. The fire spread was slowed with the assistance of helicopter and air tanker support.  There are currently 15 helicopters assigned to the Rey Fire and air tankers have been available when need to support crews on the ground

Tonight crews will continue to improve containment lines and seek to check the fire at Mono Creek the primary containment line.  Contingency lines are in place on the P-Bar Trail and the Pendola Jeep Trail.  Heavy equipment is being used to re-open and secure a contingency line along East Camino Cielo Ridge.

Today an infrared imaging aircraft was used over the fire to map the fires flaming front and identify hot spot and spot fires along the perimeter.  The technology allows for real time heat detection through the smoke and gives firefighters the ability to respond to potential problem areas that might not otherwise be detected until night time infrared flights.

Fire Weather: High pressure is beginning to build over the area resulting in a drying trend with increased temperatures over the next several days.  Winds will decrease tonight and become downslope overnight.  Smoke may settle into lower elevation areas overnight.

August 24, 2016 at 8:21 AM

Fire crews made good progress again yesterday and last night. Crews patrolled the west flank of the fire and made progress constructing line directly on the fire’s perimeter on the north flank near Old Mountain and along the southern flank north of Gilbraltar Reservoir.  Last night the fire backed down into Mono Creek on the east flank where crews hope to stop the fire’s eastward spread.

Today crews hope to hold the Mono Creek containment line and continue to build contingency lines further east.  The secondary containment line is being constructed along the P-Bar Trail.  An additional contingency line is being constructed along the Pendola Jeep Trail.  Containments lines previously used along the Camino Cielo Ridge are being improved as a contingency against north winds.

Fire Weather: High pressure is beginning to build over the area resulting in a drying trend with increased temperatures.  Today southwest winds are expected to increase over the fire area pushing the fire to east and northeast and challenging containment lines.  Winds are generally predicted to be up canyon 3 – 6 mph with gust in the late afternoon of 20 – 25 mph.  Smoke is expected to impact areas north and east of the fire area today with due to up canyon winds.

Evacuations & Closures:  East Camino Cielo Road will be closed to all traffic at the Junction of Painted Cave Road and Gilbraltar Road for the safety of firefighter personnel and equipment movement.  An evacuation order remains in effect for the Paradise Road recreation areas, parts of Stagecoach Road and the Los Prietos Boy Camp.  Paradise Road remains closed.  Campgrounds will remain closed through the weekend.  Highway 154 is open to traffic.

August 23, 2016 at 8:28 PM

The fire was slow to become active today with cooler weather. The fire became active on the east flank
northeast of Gilbraltar Reservoir. The fire has not challenged southern containment lines north of Santa Ynez
River.

The fire grew by 6,118 acres in the last 24 hours to 29,644 acres according to last night’s infrared mapping
flight and is currently 30% contained.

Today crews held and mopped up hot spots on the fires western flank and continued containment line
construction directly on the fire’s north flank. Direct line construction progressed east along the fire’s southern
flank toward Gilbraltar Reservoir. To halt the continued eastward spread of the fire, new containment lines are
being established in the Mono Creek watershed. A secondary contingency line is being established along the PBar
Trail further east. A third contingency line is being constructed along the Pendola Jeep Trail.

East Camino Cielo Road will be closed to all traffic at the junctions of Painted Cave Road and Gibralter Road
for the safety of firefighter personnel and equipment movement. An evacuation order remains in effect for the
Paradise Road recreation areas, parts of Stagecoach Road and the Los Prietos Boys Camp. Paradise Road
remains closed. Campgrounds will remain closed through the weekend. Highway 154 is open to traffic.

Today at 6 p.m. management of the Rey Fire transferred from the Central Sierra Type 2 Incident Management
Team (Mills) to a Type 1 IMT, California Interagency Incident Management Team 1 (McGowan).

Today Level 3 Fire restrictions were raised to Level 4 for the Los Padres National Forest.

August 23, 2016 at 9:00 AM

The fire was active today, spreading primarily to the east and north. The fire has reached the Zaca Fire scar in the northeast which is slowing growth. On the east side, firefighters are using existing infrastructure (roads and old dozer line) to construct containment lines near Mono Creek. People can expect to see smoke and ashfall in Santa Barbara, Montecito, and Carpenteria for the next couple of days as the fire grows east/northeast towards the Dick Smith Wilderness.
The fire is 27,096 acres and is 30% contained with 1,390 personnel assigned.

East Camino Cielo Road will be closed to all traffic at the junctions of Painted Cave Road and Gibralter Road for the safety of firefighter personnel and equipment movement. An evacuation order remains in effect for the Paradise Road recreation areas, parts of Stagecoach Road and the Los Prietos Boys Camp. Paradise Road and nearby campgrounds remains closed. Highway 154 is open to traffic.

There are 42 hand crews, 14 helicopters, 51 engines, 21 dozers, 29 water tenders, 6 air tankers, and 2 VLATs (Very Large Air Tankers) assigned to the fire.
Natural and cultural resource advisors are assisting crews in identifying and protecting resources in the fire area. In determining the best strategies to control the fire, officials consider impacts to firefighter and public safety, as well as impacts to the watershed. Where possible, they will attempt to minimize the size and intensity of the fire to protect this critical resource.

August 22, 2016 at 7:20 AM

IMT1 (McGowan) is being mobilized. In-brief at the LPF Supervisors Office in Goleta today, tentatively at 1300 hrs

Fire became very active with long range spotting under the effects of plume domination spreading to the northeast.  Continues to display extreme fire behavior due to critical live fuel moistures of 50-60%.

Fire is spreading to the NE and E toward the Dick Smith Wilderness. Historic USFS Santa Cruz Guard Station and Doty Cabin or under direct threat. Peach Tree and Little Pine Campgrounds remain impacted

Evacuations remain in effect for the Paradise Road and Stagecoach Road areas east of Highway 154, Los Prietos Boys Camp as well as multiple ranches in the surrounding the fire area

August 21, 2016 at 9:39 PM

Minimal night operations are planned due to the steepness of the terrain. Resources will continue to take action when necessary to keep the fire contained within the line.

The Rey Fire continued to display extreme fire behavior due to critical live fuel moistures of 50-60% in decadent chemise and chapparal burning in some areas with no recorded fire history. The firing operation in the southwest was successful allowing containment in Divisions A and C. The fire spread to the East and Northeast. Santa Cruz Creek Watershed continues to remain threatened. This watershed and Lake Cachuma provides 80% pf the water supply to the South Coast.

August 21, 2016 at 11:27 AM

The firing operation that took place yesterday was successful in keeping the fire in check on the southwest portion of the fire, north of Santa Ynez River.  Firefighters constructed fireline on the southeast flank through the night. Today firefighters will patrol and mop up in the west and southwest areas to improve the line while looking for opportunities to construct additional firebreak on the east. Very little activity occurred on the north flank of the fire last night and is not expected to be very active today.

The weather is forecasted to remain hot and dry through the weekend.  Fire behavior is expected to be extreme with large plumes of smoke possible again today. The east side of the fire has the most potential to spread.

The Rey Fire started on August 18 at White Rock Day Use Area along Paradise Road in the Los Padres National Forest, Santa Barbara Ranger District. Smoke continues to be visible from the Santa Barbara area, Highway 101, and Santa Ynez Valley. The fire is burning in chaparral, oak, and grass.

An evacuation order remains in effect for the Paradise Road recreation areas, parts of Stagecoach Road and the Los Prietos Boys Camp. Paradise Road remains closed. Campgrounds will remain closed through the weekend. Highway 154 is open to traffic.

Level Three Fire restrictions remain in effect for the Los Padres National Forest.

More information on how you can prevent wildfires can be found at www.preventwildfireca.org.

Large animal evacuation (805) 681-4332

August 20, 2016 at 9:46 PM

Fire behavior was active today contributing significant growth on the north, northeast, and northwest sides of the fire. The fire continued to make runs with spotting around ¼ of a mile. A successful firing operation occurred today which contributed to the significant plume that was seen in the southwest corner of the fire.

Weather is forecasted to remain hot and dry.  That in combination with extreme drought conditions and wind will continue to challenge fire fighters.

The South Central Sierra Incident Management assumed command of the Rey Fire this morning at 6 a.m. The team is working in Unified Command on behalf of the U.S. Forest Service with Santa Barbara County Fire, and CAL FIRE. The fire is 13,224 acres and is 10% contained with 577 personnel on scene.  Additional firefighters and equipment have been ordered.

The Rey Fire started on August 18 at White Rock Day Use Area along Paradise Road in the Los Padres National Forest, Santa Barbara Ranger District. Smoke continues to be visible from the Santa Barbara area, Highway 101, and Santa Ynez Valley. The fire is burning in chaparral, ponderosa pine, and grass.

An evacuation order remains in effect for the Paradise Road recreation areas, parts of Stagecoach Road and the Los Prietos Boys Camp. Paradise Road remains closed. Campgrounds will remain closed through the weekend. Highway 154 is open to traffic.

Level Three Fire restrictions remain in effect for the Los Padres National Forest.

More information on how you can prevent wildfires can be found at www.preventwildfireca.org.

Large animal evacuation (805) 681-4332

August 19, 2016 at 7:18 PM

South Central Sierra Incident Management team was briefed by local officials this evening to assume command of the Rey Fire tomorrow. The team will provide additional support and leadership to assist local Engines and crews from the Los Padres National Forest, Santa Barbara County, and nearby municipalities who have the fire 20% contained.

The Rey Fire which was ignited along side the Paradise Road at the White Rock Day Use Area of the Santa Barbara Ranger District of the Los Padres National Forest yesterday, has grown to 2700 acres. 500 firefighters are on-scene working to contain the blaze, additional firefighters and equipment have been ordered. Smoke from the Rey Fire is visible from the Santa Barbara area. The fire is moving in a northerly direction into the National Forest.

Paradise Road campgrounds, parts of Stagecoach Road and the Los Prietos Boys Camp are under evacuation. Evacuation Centers are at Santa Ynez High School – New Gymnasium – 2975 E Hwy 246, Santa Ynez, CA 93460. 50 structures are under immediate threat. Highway 154 is open. Paradise Road remains closed. Campgrounds will remain closed through the weekend and beyond.
The cause of the Rey fire is under investigation.

August 19, 2016 at 10:11 AM

Paradise Road campgrounds, parts of Stagecoach Road and the Los Prietos Boys Camp are under evacuation. Evacuation Centers are at Santa Ynez High School – New Gymnasium – 2975 E Hwy 246, Santa Ynez, CA 93460. No structures are under immediate threat. Highway 154 has been reopened. Paradise Road remains closed.

Engines and crews from the Los Padres National Forest, Santa Barbara County, and nearby municipalities have the fire 20% contained. Two injuries were reported today, one due to heat and one due to bee stings.

August 18, 2016 at 6:42 PM

Evacuations: Campgrounds in the Paradise Road Area and Los Prietos Boys Camp.

Evacuation Centers:
1) Santa Ynez High School – New Gymnasium – 2975 E Hwy 246, Santa Ynez, CA 93460
2) San Marcos High School- Cafeteria – 4750 Hollister Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93110

August 18, 2016 at 5:27 PM

Engines and crews from the Los Padres National Forest, Santa Barbara County and nearby municipalities are on-scene, One Air Tanker, two helicopters are assigned. Additional resources including air resources have been requested.

Highway 154 is closed from the junction of State Route 246 to the junction of State Route 192

Evacuation center set up at Lake Cachuma County Park.