Hill Fire burns up to 1,500 acres, 40 percent contained; evacuations still in place

Update: 10:40 a.m.

Highway 58 east of Santa Margarita is closed in both directions at Highway 229, according to Caltrans.

Follow Wednesday’s updates on the Hill Fire »»

Original story:

A fast-moving fire near Santa Margarita has so far burned between 1,200 to 1,500 acres of land and is 40 percent contained, according to Cal Fire.

The blaze has also destroyed one structure, though officials have not yet confirmed whether it was a house or an outbuilding, according to Cal Fire spokesman Chris Elms. He estimated that there are roughly 1,200 firefighters on scene Tuesday morning.

The fire started about 3:30 p.m. Monday and quickly grew in size, prompting mandatory evacuations and threatening structures.

But firefighters, working through the night, took advantage of lower nighttime temperatures and higher humidity to try and contain the fire, Elms said.

MANDATORY EVACUATIONS:

Parkhill Road east of Oak Canyon including La Entrada, from Stagecoach Canyon Road to Huer Huero Road

North of Parkhill Road to include Wilson Creek Road, Katacreek Road, Golden Pond Way, Random Canyon Way to Horseshoe Canyon Road.

Huer Huero Road to Highway 58 including Black Mountain Resort Road, Blue Road, Blue Ridge Road east to Shooting Star Road, south to Golden Pond Way and back over to Random Canyon Way.

EVACUATION WARNINGS:

South of Parkhill Road from La Entrada to Huer Huero Road. West of La Entrada on Parkhill Road to Highway 58. Huer Huero Road northwest from Random Canyon Way to Highway 58 including Black Mountain Resort Road and Blue Road.

An evacuation center has been set up for evacuated residents at Santa Margarita Elementary School at 22070 H St. Domestic pets, such as cats and dogs, are welcome at the evacuation center.

The Horse Emergency Evacuation Team of San Luis Obispo County said Tuesday morning that they will help get animals if Cal Fire will allow them into the area. HEET’s number is 805-550-0213. In the meantime, a group of Creston ranchers has come together and will help get your animals, HEET said, and anyone needing help can call them at 805-239-1015.

This story was originally published June 27, 2017 at 8:35 AM with the headline "Hill Fire burns up to 1,500 acres, 40 percent contained; evacuations still in place."