Calf Fire is 20 percent contained; crews held fire through the night

Photos by Creig P. Sherburne

Update, Tuesday at 8:30 a.m.: As of 9:30 p.m. Monday, the size of the Calf Fire was estimated at 640 acres and was 20 percent contained. The evacuation notice held through the night and fire commanders will re-evalucate the situation this morning. According to CAL FIRE, crews were able to hold the fire through the night.

“The weather has been cooperating with fire suppression efforts as well,” fire commanders said.

An evacuation shelter has been set up at Santa Margarita Elementary School by the American Red Cross.

The Horse Emergency Evacuation Team also set up facilities at Templeton Live Stock Yard for evacuated animals with feed and water available on site.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

As of Monday evening, there were a total of 700 personnel committed to the fire, along with 56 fire engines, 21 hand crews, nine bulldozers, three helicopters, seven air tankers, two water tenders, one air attack plan and 27 support personnel.

Update, Monday at 7:15 p.m.: Evacuation notice remains in effect, but crews are making good progress, according to CAL FIRE, and has the fire 20 percent contained.

Update, Monday at 4:15 p.m.: Calf Fire is now 750 acres and zero percent contained. A mandatory evacuation has been ordered for those on Parkhill Road between Highway 58 and Seven Oaks.

Update, Monday at 3:05 p.m.: Calf Fire is now burning 500 acres and an evacuation warning has been issued for Parkhill Road between Highway 58 and Seven Oaks. The road is closed, but open to residents only.

Update, Monday at 2:45 p.m.: The fire is estimated to be on more than 300 acres of land, but no structures or people are in eminent danger.

There are 205 firefighters currently fighting the fire. No roads are closed due to the fire.

Original story, Monday at 1 p.m.: Visible from Atascadero, an approximate 100-acre wildland fire, called the Calf Fire, is currently burning in the area of Highway 58 and Pozo Road in a rural area of the county.

According to CAL FIRE, the fire is burning in grass, brush and oak woodlands. There are currently no home evacuations being ordered.

Because the fire is located in very rough terrain, it is making access difficult for firefighters.

As of 4 p.m., there were 14 fire engines, seven hand crews, three bulldozers, two helicopters, four air tankers, two water tenders and one air attack plane.

More information will be given as it becomes available.

For the complete article see the 07-18-2012 issue.

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