445-acre Shell Beach fire is 90% contained; Cal Fire says one structure damaged
A vegetation fire in Pismo Beach that spread up to 445 acres is now 90% contained as of 8 a.m. Thursday, according to Cal Fire.
The Avila Fire broke out near Gragg Canyon Road in Shell Beach around 2:48 p.m. Monday and spread quickly through the area, leading to evacuations and the closure of Highway 101 lanes.
All evacuations issued Monday had been lifted as of Tuesday, according to Cal Fire. All roads that were closed have been reopened, however Cal Fire advises caution in the area.
As of 8 a.m. Thursday, no one has been injured and no structures have been lost, however one was damaged.
According to Cal Fire public information officer Adan Orozco, a 12-inch-by-12-inch square was smoldering near the fireplace of a home close to the fire line. Orozco said firefighters removed the square to avoid the rest of the house from burning.
No other damage has been reported.
Cal Fire officials expect the fire that sparked Monday afternoon to be fully contained by 6 p.m. Thursday.
This story was originally published June 18, 2020 at 10:51 AM.
