445-acre Avila Fire was ‘human caused and intentionally set,’ investigators say
Cal Fire SLO investigators have determined that someone intentionally started the Avila Fire that scorched more than 400 acres of vegetation and threatened many structures in June.
After conducting an investigation and interviewing possible witnesses, Cal Fire investigators found that the fire that began June 15 around 2:48 p.m. was started in a creek bed adjacent to Avila Beach Drive, about 70 feet from the road, according to a news release.
The fire spread quickly through the Pismo Beach and Shell Beach area due to windy conditions.
“This was a significant fire where the potential for catastrophic loss of life and property was present from the start,” Cal Fire SLO Deputy Chief Greg Alex said in a news release.
Widespread evacuations and Highway 101 lane closures were put into effect while crews battled the flames.
The 445-acre fire took several days to fully contain and reached 100% containment June 18.
One small area of a structure was damaged, but no one was injured, according to Cal Fire.
“Thanks to the efforts of the men and women who fought the fire and to the citizens that provided defensible space around their homes, our community remained safe,” Alex said in the release.
Following a monthlong investigation, firefighters determined the fire was “human caused and intentionally set,” according to a news release. However investigators have not found any evidence of a serial arsonist, the release said.
The investigation is still ongoing, and investigators have formed a list of people of interest.
Cal Fire is asking anyone with information regarding the Avila Fire to contact the Cal Fire hotline at 1-800-468-4408.
