Evacuations ordered as new SLO County fire threatens structures
A vegetation fire burning in the hills east of Templeton threatened structures Saturday evening, prompting an evacuation order for nearby residents.
The Rancho Fire, which had burned 15 to 20 acres, was located near Rancho Road and South El Pomar Road, about halfway between Templeton and Creston, according to Watch Duty app reporter Michael Silvester.
Forward progress was stopped at 6:17 p.m., but the San Luis Obispo County Office of Emergency Services issued an evacuation order for residents within a half-mile of the 850 block of Spring Creek Way outside Templeton.
The order was downgradedto a warning 20 minutes later.
The fire was reported at 5:09 p.m. and was burning in grass, oak woodlands and orchards with a moderate rate of spread, Silvester said.
“Incident Command & sheriff’s are working on an evacuation order for the local area, per Incident Command,” he added at 5:53 p.m.
Multiple engines responded to the fire, along with hand crews and two air tankers. A dozer line and retardant had been established on the left flank. The air tankers were released at 6:04 p.m.
This story was originally published July 5, 2025 at 6:12 PM.
