2,005-acre fire near Santa Margarita is 78% contained, several buildings destroyed
A 2,005-acre fire near Santa Margarita was 78% contained as of Tuesday morning, according to Cal Fire.
Some evacuation warnings and road closures remained in place Tuesday as firefighters continue to extinguish hot spots along the rugged terrain, according to Cal Fire.
The cause of the Pond Fire, which broke out Saturday afternoon near Kata Creek Road and Huer Huero Road, was still under investigation Tuesday.
Forward progress on the fire was stopped Sunday afternoon, Cal Fire said. The fire was 68% contained by Monday evening.
By Tuesday morning, firefighters increased containment with the help of overnight humidity, despite strong winds blowing.
Twenty-five engines, 13 water tenders, eight hand crews and seven bulldozers were on the scene Tuesday morning, according to Cal Fire.
As of Tuesday, one house and 13 outhouses had been destroyed by the blaze and one house was damaged.
The fire continues to threaten an additional 200 structures, according to a Cal Fire incident update.
An evacuation warning remained in effect Tuesday morning for Huer Huero Road from Random Canyon to Park Hill Road and from Parkhill Road at Huer Huero Road to Earthstar Place.
Those needing livestock evacuation help can call Horse Emergency Evacuation Team at 805-550-0213, a livestock evacuation center has been set up in the Railhead Ranch Area.
Huer Huero Road remained closed from Highway 58 to Random Canyon.
According to Cal Fire, crews were set to begin suppression repair efforts Tuesday, repairing areas that were damaged caused from fighting the flames.
Full containment of the Pond Fire is expected by Saturday.
