Cooler Weather Helps Suppress Rey Fire
Fire crews continue to make headway on the 32,000-plus-acre Rey Fire that was declared 96 percent contained on September 1.
According to a statement released by the Los Padres National Forest, over 200 fire personnel are still working to close the gap on the remaining 4 percent of uncontained fireline. Crews are focusing their efforts on suppressing hotspots, maintaining a secure perimeter, and repairing miles of roadway used to aid the two-week long battle.
With the arrival of a low pressure system, cooler temperatures and low wind speeds are expected to help fire crews achieve full containment of the fire by Monday. All road closures related to the Rey Fire were lifted at 2 p.m. today. A large area around the fire, including parts of the Dick Smith and San Rafael Wilderness, remains closed to public access.
Even with significant inroads made, officials remind residents and visitors that smoke will still be present for the next couple weeks as crews work to stifle the interior area of the fire completely. The cause remains under investigation.
