Rey Fire Heading North Into Backcountry
As of 11 a.m., the Rey Fire was heading directly into the backcountry of the Los Padres Forest and away from populated areas along the coast. With temperatures in the low 90s, the winds are blowing north-northwest by about 10 mph.
The smoke that Independent writer Ray Ford had observed earlier this morning hovering about the Camusa Ridge is not present anymore. The proximity of that smoke to the Santa Ynez River — the key line of containment for the Rey Fire — caused Ford some concern. “But right now, it’s looking pretty good,” said Ford. “It’s heading directly into the wilderness.”
Ford said he could not directly see the air tankers making aerial drops on the fire, but could hear them doing so. He also stated that much of the attack was being directed at points closer to the river, so that if the fire reversed directions, that area would be more fortified, both with chemical retardant and line breaks.
