Sponsored message
Logged in as
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen

This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.

KPCC Archive

Wildfire in San Luis Obispo forces evacuations (updated)

File: A Los Angeles County fire fighter monitors hot spots as he fights the Station Fire August 30, 2009 in Acton, California.
A fire has erupted in San Luis Obispo, burning about 750 acres and causing over 50 homeowners to leave their properties near State Highway 58.
(
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
)

One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.

Firefighters are getting a handle on a wildfire in San Luis Obispo County. The Calf Fire burned more than 600 acres about 5 miles east of Santa Margarita. It's now 65 percent contained.

The fire broke out around noon on Monday and prompted about 50 homeowners to leave their properties near State Highway 58. Officials have removed a mandatory evacuation order for dozens of homes, but they are still warning residents to be cautious.

Firefighters hope to fully contain the fire by tomorrow morning.

Cal Fire spokeswoman Tina Rose said the rough terrain and dry brush make it difficult for the hundreds of firefighters on the fire to control the flames.

"There’s no easy way to get in," said Rose. "There’s no road that drives up close to it. It’s all walking in, or hitting it from the air with our air tankers or helicopters."

Rose said winds of up to 21 miles an hour changed direction throughout the day, so firefighters have been keeping a close watch.

There’s no word yet on what sparked the fire.

Sponsored message

This story has been updated.

Correction: This post originally reported the fire was up to 750 acres.

One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.

If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible donation today