Chimney Fire 2016 Maps, Photos, Updates: California Wildfire Burns Through 37K Acres Over 10 Days; 36 Homes Destroyed as Officials Investigate Cause [SLIDESHOW]
A wildfire in San Luis Obispo County, Calif. has been steadily burning for 10 days now, having blazed through more than 5,500 acres in the past 24 hours. This brings the total acreage of the inferno dubbed the "Chimney Fire" to 37,101 as of the early morning hours on Tuesday Aug. 23.
According to the most recent public advisory on this wildfire, posted by Cal Fire at approximately 6:00 a.m. PST on Tuesday, the blaze currently remains at just 35 percent containment as it continues to be fueled by dry vegetation in the area. Officials have projected a complete containment date of Aug. 29. The cause of this fire is currently under official investigation, authorities report.
Located south of Nacimiento Resevoir at the intersection of Chimney Rock Road and Running Deer Road, officials, locals, film lovers, and historians alike were given a scare late last week. The wildfire's flames burned to within three miles of the iconic Hearst Castle, which was reportedly the inspiration for Xanadu in George Welle's 1941 film "Citizen Kane."
However, NBC News reports that according to California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection representative Brian Steiger, the threat to the legendary palace is no more, as "the fire is no longer burning in that area."
Still facing threat from the Chimney Fire's increasingly active fire behavior are 1,896 other structures. Already the fire has burned down 36 homes and 16 other structures, four of which (two homes and two outbuildings) were destroyed in just the past 24 hours. Seven additional structures have sustained damage from the fire.
The increasingly inferno-esque blaze has also resulted in one injury to date. A Cal Fire hand crew supervisor was inadvertently struck by a "pulaski hand tool" (a special type of axe used especially for firefighting) when a crew member who was chopping away at brush accidentally lost control of it, according to a Cal Fire summary report. The incident resulted in a two-inch laceration as well as a broken bone. The Cal Fire supervisor was treated on-site by paramedics and then airlifted to a nearby hospital for further treatment and evaluation.
A number of mandatory evacuation order have been issued for residents living in the communities surrounding the area where the Chimney Fire continues to burn.
Evacuation orders are currently in place for Christmas Cove, Oak Shores, North Boat Shore and Ski, Laguna Vista, South Shore Village, Rancho Del Lago, Cal Shasta, Lake San Antonio, Sapaqua Valley, and Bryson Hesperia in both San Luis Obispo and Monterey Counties. Any residents that have yet to respond to these orders are asked to do so immediately, due to increasing fire activity in the immediate area.
A temporary shelter for evacuees affected by the Chimney Fire has been established in Paso Robles at Flamson Middle School, which is located at 2405 Spring Street. Local residents who need assistance in relocating their pets and/or livestock until the evacuation orders are lifted may call Chimney Fire Animal Relief at (805) 423-4934.
In terms of the current situation with regards to the Chimney Fire status, authorities report that throughout Monday night fire behavior remained extreme. The blaze continued to burn on steep terrain, along with very dry brush and timber. Fire officials report that imminent threats remain to several communities closest to the fire perimeters.
"As with all evacuation orders and warnings, these are implemented for the safety of the public and firefighters," Cal Fire told residents. "Please adhere to all orders, warnings, road closures, and detours."
"Fire personnel are working in extreme conditions around the clock to contain and control this situation," Cal Fire said. "Please do your part."
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