This fire began the afternoon of May 15, and is under a Unified Command with the U.S. Forest Service and Cal Fire. There are currently 1,424 personnel assigned to the fire, including air resources. Supporting agencies include BLM, California State Parks, and the Kern, Ventura, and Los Angeles County Fire Departments. The fire is currently at 35% containment.

Firefighters continue to construct fire line around the fire perimeter. Crews made significant progress yesterday and overnight on the southern and northern sides of the fire and were assisted by lower temperatures and higher humidity. Today crews will continue suppression work on the fire line.

Los Padres officials are talking with local citizens and encouraging communities adjacent to the forest to exercise extreme caution, especially when gusty winds, low relative humidity, and high temperatures are prevailing. The Forest has instituted Level III Fire Restrictions beginning today, May 17.

“The message we’re sharing with the public is we all need to take extra precautions in the forest when conditions are so dry,” said Los Padres Forest Supervisor Peggy Hernandez. “It’s important to recognize that fires can occur at any time of the year and we need to be vigilant year round.”

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