Fire near Whale Rock Reservoir grows to 210 acres, 40% contained

CAYUCOS, Calif. - A fire that flared up off Old Creek Road north of Cayucos late Saturday morning grew to 210 acres overnight. CAL FIRE reports it is now 40% contained, evacuation warnings have also been lifted.

The fire was first reported around 10:40 a.m. CHP said they received calls regarding smoke coming from the area after a lightning strike.

Firefighters responded and the blaze grew to 120 acres in a matter of hours.

Sunday morning, the fire grew another 90 acres, bringing it to 210 acres in size. It is now 40% contained. CAL FIRE said forward progress by the fire has been stopped.

85 fire personnel, five engines, three water tenders and four hand crews remain on scene, battling the blaze in the statewide heatwave. Access to the fire has reportedly been difficult for large fire equipment due to steep terrain and the high temperatures.

Establishing control lines and mitigating tree hazards is the priority on Sunday, according to CAL FIRE. Firefighters will continue their efforts through the night.

Structures in the area are no longer threatened, allowing evacuation warnings to be lifted which were in place Saturday evening under the SLO County Sheriff's Office. Residents who did evacuate may safely return to their homes.

Old Creek Road continues to be closed at State Route 46 and Santa Rita Road.

Fortunately, no injuries have been reported. Estimated full containment is unknown at this time.