Chimney Fire Reaches Full Containment After Burning over 46,000 Acres
LATEST UPDATE:
Chimney Fire is now 100% contained after burning some 46,344 acres in San Luis Obispo County.
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As of Tuesday morning according to Cal Fire SLO the acreage for the Chimney Fire remains the same, but it is not 85% contained, with some 2,981 personnel on site.
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The latest estimates for the Chimney Fire are 46,344 acres burned, containment now stands at 70%
All evacuations of neighborhoods affected by the Chimney Fire were lifted at 5:00 p.m. Monday, according to a news release from Cal Fire.
The last residents allowed home live in Monterey County in the Bryson Hesperia area. Other residents on the north, west and south sides of the fire are also able to return home.
Even with the end of evacuations, firefighters urge residents to remain ready should conditions change and people are once again told to leave.
PREVIOUS STORY:
The Chimney Fire in SLO County has burned 45,844 and containment has increased to 61%.
On Friday, Residents in the communities of Christmas Cove, Bee Rock and Oak Shores were allowed to return home beginning at noon.
Friday, fire officials announced that an evacuation order was lifted for the areas north of Lake Nacimiento, Christmas Oak Shore and Bee Rock. The evacuation warning has been lifted for north of San Simeon Creek Road; including Van Gordon Creek Road, Keytstone Mine Road, and Red Mountain Road.
The evacuation order remains in effect for the Bryson-Hesperia area of Monterey County.
Road closures at Nacimineto Lake Drive and Interlake Drive have reopened. However, road closures remain in effect at Interlake Road and Bryson Hesperia Road.
3,985 personnel continues to fight the Chimney Fire, along with: 328 total fire engines, 106 hand crews, 7 air tankers, 16 helicopters, 46 dozers, and 69 water tenders.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016 UPDATE
Evacuation order for communities south of Lake Nacimiento will be lifted Thursday at noon.
The communities of Tri-County, Cal Shasta, Rancho Del Lago, and South Shore Village are private gated communities and these areas as of noon will no longer be under evacuation orders. Running Deer Road is not open to the public. Property owners of these private communities are being asked to carry a form of identification, current utility bill, or other evidence showing an address within the Tri-County, Cal-Shasta, Rancho Del Lago and South Shore Village.
Members of the general public are asked to avoid these areas.
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.
Chimney Fire has currently burned 43,933 acres and is at 41% containment.
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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2016 UPDATE
CalFire says the Chimney Fire burning in San Luis Obispo County has grown to 41,675 acres Wednesday evening and is 39% contained.
Although the cause of the Chimney Fire remains under investigation, fire investigators say they’ve determined the fire was not intentionally set.
An 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:
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
Road Closures are in effect at 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.
Be Prepared. Pre-Evacuation Preparations
Effective immediately, 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, announced Cal Fire officials.
3,972 personnel are actively fighting this fire with: 333 engines, 107 hand crews, 7 air tankers, 17 helicopters, 44 dozers, and 61 water tenders.
Firefighters were able to minimize further progression of the fire line and increased containment overnight.
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MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 2016 UPDATE
More evacuations were ordered over the weekend as more than 1,000 structures are threatened by the flames. That includes historic Hearst Castle in San Simeon. Tours of the Hearst mansion have been canceled due to the Chimney Fire.
Evacuation Orders are in place for: Christmas Cove, Oak Shores, North Shore Boat and Ski, Laguna Vista, South Shore 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.
Road Closures are in effect for: 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.
When you evacuate be sure to take any medications, pets, family valuables etc. with you, close all windows including window coverings, and leave all doors closed.
For more information on Ready, Set, Go, evacuation preparedness, visit http://www.readyforwildfire.org.
Check back for continued updates throughout the day.
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SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2016 UPDATE
The Chimney Fire burning in SLO County has grown to 27,546 acres buned and 35% containment.
2,938 fire personnel are on scene actively battling the fire. The cause of the Chimney Fire remains under investigation.
Evacuation Orders are in effect for the Communities under the order 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.
Monterey County – An Evacuation Order has been issued for Bryson Hesperia Community north of Monterey County Line.
Evacuation Shelters include:
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 are in effect at: The intersection of G14(Tierra Redonda) at Lynch Canyon Rd. No traffic west of G14(Tierra Redonda) on Lynch
Check back for continued updates throughout the day.
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SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016 UPDATE
6 p.m. Update
The Chimney Fire has surged to 19,000 acres, according to Cal Fire Public Information officer Daniel Berlant. It is 35% contained.
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The Chimney Fire has grown to 17,000 acres and is 33% contained.
Cal Fire has issued a new evacuation order in San Luis Obispo County for Christmas Cove and Oak Shores communities.
Cal Fire has issued an evacuation warning for the Bryson Hesperia community in Monterey County.
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The Chimney Fire has grown to 15,439 as of Saturday morning with containment at 35%, according to the latest evaluation by Cal Fire.
Cal Fire has lifted evacuation orders for the communities of Running Deer Ranch, Tri-County, Cal Shasta, Rancho de Lago, and South Shore Village as of 12 p.m. Saturday.
Running Deer Road is not open to the public.
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FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2016 UPDATE
45 homes have been destroyed and 7 others damaged in the fire.
Mandatory Evacuations continue to include Running Deer Ranch, Tri-County, Cal Shasta, Rancho de Lago, and South Shore Village.
Road Closures remain at the Intersection of Chimney Rock Road and Running Deer Road.
Fire personnel on scene has grown to 2,699 with: 218 engines, 71 hand crews, 7 airtankers, 14 helicopters, 50 dozers, and 35 water tenders.
High temperatures, low humidities and afternoon winds are expected to continue Friday.
The fire continues to burn in steep rugged, inaccessible terrain. Residents will continue to experience drift smoke throughout the county. For more air quality and smoke advisories, visit http://www.slocleanair.org/air-quality/air-forecasting-map.php.
Cal Fire reminds residents that they’re not soliciting any type of donations, and if you got a call from someone claiming to need so, they advise to write that person’s name down and contact number, and report it to the SLO County District Attorney’s Office.
The cause of the fire remains unknown.
KCOY 12: Chimney Fire Friday Video Update—————————————-
THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2016 UPDATE
Mandatory Evacuations continue to include Running Deer Ranch, Tri-County, Cal Shasta, Rancho de Lago, and South Shore Village.
Road Closures remain at the Intersection of Chimney Rock Road and Running Deer Road.
2,312 personnel remain on scene fighting the fire. Other resources include: 165 fire engines, 68 hand crews, 7 air tankers, 13 helicopters, 28 dozers, and 34 water tenders.
For Thursday, fire crews will continue constructing containment lines while strengthening and securing control lines.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Stay with KCOY 12 for continued updates.
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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 UPDATE
The “Chimney Fire” burning south of Lake Nacimiento has now burned 8,000 acres. CalFire officials also confirm 45 homes or residences have been destroyed by the flames. Seven others have been damaged and a total of 232 structures remain under threat of fire.
Containment remains at 25% as of Wednesday afternoon.
Mandatory Evacuations continue to include Running Deer Ranch, Tri-County, Cal Shasta, Rancho de Lago, and South Shore Village.
Road Closures remain at the Intersection of Chimney Rock Road and Running Deer Road.
Total fire personnel dedicated to battling the Chimney Fire has grown to 2,312 with 165 fire engines, 68 fire crews, 7 air tankers, 13 helicopters, 28 dozers and 34 water tenders.
Hot and dry conditions are expected to continue across the fire area Wednesday. Cal Fire and PG&E continue to work to restore services in the affected areas.
For Wednesday, fire crews will continue constructing containment lines while strengthening and securing control lines.
The cause of the fire is still unknown at this time.
This story will be updated with new information as it becomes available.
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TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2016 UPDATE
The Chimney Fire is 6,400 acres in size and containment continues at 10% as of Tuesday morning. The fire began on August 13.
There is now a total of 1,675 personnel on scene fighting the fire with 200 engines, 22 water tenders, 5 helicopters, 7 air tankers, 39 hand crews, and 26 dozers.
The fire burned actively throughout the night, according to CalFire. A Red Flag Warning remains in effect throughout the region. The goal for firefighters on Tuesday is to continue suppression efforts by using ground and air resources.
CalFire and PG&E are working to assess damage and restore services in affected areas.
Mandatory Evacuations continue to include Running Deer Ranch, Tri-County, Cal Shasta, Rancho de Lago, and South Shore Village.
Road Closures remain at the Intersection of Chimney Rock Road and Running Deer Road.
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office added the community of Oak Shores at Lake Nacimiento to their Reverse 911 system. Previously, that community was affiliated with a Monterey County zip code so residents that lived there had difficulty accessing SLO County’s Reverse 911 system.
The Sheriff’s Office recommends everyone from the Oak Shores community register their cell phones with the system to receive urgent alerts about the Chimney Fire.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016 UPDATE
CalFire reports there are two injuries. The extent of those injuries is unknown at this time. 12 structures have been destroyed and 20 structures damaged. 200 homes are threatened.
1,172 fire personnel are currently battling this fire with 127 engines, 28 hand crews, 7 air tankers, 14 helicopters, 12 dozers and 4 water tenders.
Mandatory evacuations are in place for the communities of Running Deer Ranch, Tri-County, Cal Shasta, Rancho de Lago, and South Shore Village.
Road Closures are in place at the intersection of Chimney Rock Road and Running Deer Road.
Firefighters were able to make progress some progress late last night due to the cooler temperatures and higher humidity over the fire. On Monday, 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.
Chimney Fire Crews Get Speedy Aerial Help From Santa Maria
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
For visitors to the San Simeon area, Hearst Castle tweeted out that they are cancelling the outdoor self-guided portion of tours due to the Chimney Fire. However, guided tours are still available.
Additional information from CalFire can be found at http://www.fire.ca.gov/current_incidents/incidentdetails/Index/1389.
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SUNDAY, AUGUST 14 UPDATE 3
CalFire says 12 homes have been damaged or destroyed in the Chimney Fire. They are still assessing the structures.
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s department provided this update on Sunday evening:
The entire Running Deer Ranch area is under evacuation orders.
Residents in the smaller communities in that area: Tri-County, Cal Shasta, Rancho de Lago, and South Shore Village that were isolated by the fire and had been sheltering in place were escorted out by Sheriff’s Deputies or were evacuated to the water’s edge and picked up by boats and taken across the water to Oak Shores.
There is still a hard road closure (no one allowed) at Running Deer Road and Chimney Rock Road.
The Red Cross has reopened an evacuation center at Flamson Middle School in Paso Robles at 24th & Spring.
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SUNDAY, AUGUST 14 UPDATE 2
According to the latest update from CalFire, the Chimney Fire has now burned 4,000 acres, and containment is up to 10%.
CalFire said evacuations have started by boat, so people can go across the lake. They have requested a type 1 incident management team.
A San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s deputy said there are 250 homes and 300 people evacuated.
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SUNDAY, AUGUST 14 UPDATE 1
From CalFire: The fire remained active overnight until about 1:00 a.m. 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.
Sunday morning, the inversion layer was 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. Sunday the Incident Management Team should be transitioning in to command. Large resource requests have been made and are responding to the fire.
Evacuations have been done 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, In the area of Running Deer Ranch that includes Tri-County and Cal Shasta which are off Gage Irving Road north of Cow Camp Loop. This area 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.
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SATURDAY, AUGUST 13 UPDATE 2
The San Luis Obispo County Office of Emergency Services announced evacuation orders for people living on Cow Camp Road south to Chimney Rock Road and east to Lake Nacimiento.
Residents are ordered to leave the area via Running Deer Rd and Chimney Rock Road.
Running Deer area residents from Gage Irving south to Cow Camp Road and east to Lake Nacimiento are asked to move to the Safe Zone at High Meadows at Bobcat Lane.
A shelter location is open at Flamson Middle School at 24th Street & Spring St in Paso Robles.
One firefighter was injured but is expected to be okay.
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SATURDAY, AUGUST 13 UPDATE 1
The Chimney Fire near Lake Nacimiento has burned 800 acres and continues to grow.
More than 100 homes are threatened.
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Department is evacuating residents in the community of Running Dear Ranch.
CAL FIRE said the fire is burning in a southwest direction.
There is no containment on the fire.
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ORIGINAL STORY
Fire crews are on the scene of a vegetation fire near Lake Nacimiento.
CAL FIRE said the fire is burning at Chimney Rock and Running Deer Roads.
It broke out Saturday at 4:05 p.m.
The fire has burned about 350 acres so far.
We have a crew headed to the scene and will bring you more information as it becomes available.
