SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif., Aug. 15 (UPI) — A fire in central California has torched more than 4,000 acres and destroyed 20 structures, Cal Fire said late Sunday.
The so-called Chimney fire near Lake Nacimiento in San Luis Obispo County — about half way between San Francisco and Los Angeles — has burned 4,300 acres, after first being spotted Saturday afternoon, fire officials said.
About 250 homes have been evacuated and 20 buildings, including homes have been destroyed, fire officials said.
The fire was first spotted Saturday afternoon, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Overnight weather conditions slowed the fire’s growth and allowed about 500 fire personnel to make some headway, with the fire now 10 percent contained.
Cal Fire said in a release about 80 engines, 11 helicopters, four air tanks, 18 hand crews and three dozers are working the blaze.
Temperatures hit 104 on Sunday and the fire was heading south and east.
The cause of the fire is still not known.
