Rey Fire Incident Update

REY FIRE UPDATE August 24, 2016, 8:00 PM

http://www.facebook.com/lospadresnationalforest/ http://www.inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4761 Follow us on Twitter @LosPadresNF Public information: 805-364-2738

Start Date: August 18, 2016 Size: 31,505 acres

Containment: 37%

Injuries: 1

Estimated Containment Date: 8/31/2016

Total Personnel Assigned: 1972

Cause: Under Investigation

Structures Destroyed: None

Current Situation: Fire crews continue to improve containment lines and mop up hot spot on the north flank near Old Man Mountain and the south flank north of the Santa Ynez drainage and Gilbraltar Reservoir. The fire continued backing into Mono Creek on the fire’s east flank and did not crossed the creek. The fire spread was slowed with the assistance of helicopter and air tanker support. There are currently 15 helicopters assigned to the Rey Fire and air tankers have been available when need to support crews on the ground.

Tonight crews will continue to improve containment lines and seek to check the fire at Mono Creek the primary containment line. Contingency lines are in place on the P-Bar Trail and the Pendola Jeep Trail. Heavy equipment is being used to re-open and secure a contingency line along East Camino Cielo Ridge.

Today an infrared imaging aircraft was used over the fire to map the fires flaming front and identify hot spot and spot fires along the perimeter. The technology allows for real time heat detection through the smoke and gives firefighters the ability to respond to potential problem areas that might not otherwise be detected until night time infrared flights.

Fire Weather: High pressure is beginning to build over the area resulting in a drying trend with increased temperatures over the next several days. Winds will decrease tonight and become downslope overnight. Smoke may settle into lower elevation areas overnight. For the latest smoke forecast https://www.ourair.org/todays-air-quality/.

Evacuations & Closures: East Camino Cielo Road will be closed to all traffic at the Junction of Highway 154. Painted Cave Road is closed at Highway 154. Both roads are closed for the safety of firefighter and equipment movement. An evacuation order remains in effect for the Paradise Road recreation areas, parts of Stagecoach Road and the Los Prietos Boy Camp. Paradise Road remains closed due heat remain on the fire’s southern flank. Campgrounds will remain closed through the weekend. Highway 154 is open to traffic.

For more information about the Rey Fire, call (805) 364-2738. Large animal evacuation assistance can be found by calling (805) 681-4332. Fire Restrictions: The Los Padres National Forest raised fire restriction to Level Four which includes no wood and charcoal campfires, use of gas stoves only in designated campgrounds, and no target shooting, no smoking, and no fireworks.