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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
)

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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.

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This story has been updated.

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

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