Star Report
Fire crews made good progress again yesterday and last night as the Rey Fire is now at 31,255 acres and 35 percent contained, according to fire officials.
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 and have it contained by August 31, according to fire reports.
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. Containment lines previously used along the Camino Cielo Ridge are being improved as a contingency against north winds, the report continued. The winds are expected to push the fire east and northeast and challenge containment lines.
Fire restrictions have also been put in place as no wood and charcoal campfires are permitted. The use of gas stoves is allowed, but only in designated campgrounds. Shooting, smoking and fireworks are prohibited.
1,783 personnel are currently battling the blaze which started just before 3 p.m. on Thursday, August 18, near the White Rock Campgrounds, said Mike Eliason of Santa Barbara County Fire.
Anyone who needs assistance evacuating animals are to call Santa Barbara County Animal Services at (805) 681-4332.
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.
Road Closures continue to include East Camino Cielo at the junction of Painted Cave Road and Gibraltar Road. Paradise Road remains closed.
