CALIFORNIA VALLEY – A grass fire burning off Highway 58 and Soda Lake Road in San Luis Obispo County has grown to 250 acres, according to Cal Fire. The Branch Fire was 10 percent contained as of 3:15 p.m.
The fire was reported at 2 p.m. at 3 acres. At 2:45 p.m. Cal Fire reported it was 40 acres and at 3:15 it was reported at 250 acres. The fire is 45 miles east of Santa Margarita.
Soda Lake Road was being closed at Highway 58. All residences on Belmont Trail to Bridge Mountain are being evacuated.
4:20 p.m. UPDATE: Cal Fire is reporting the Branch Fire has ballooned to 1,550 acres. Highway 58 is closed at Soda Lake Road. San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Department is evacuating people to the California Valley Recreation Center.
5 pm. UPDATE : SLO County Sheriff’s Office reporting additional evacuations — Soda Lake Road to Branch Mountain Road and Belmont Trail to Greybriar. Evacuees being sent to Cal Valley Recreation Center.
8 p.m. UPDATE: According to CAL Fire the Branch Fire is now 30% contained fire activity has decreased and is holding at 2500 to 3000 acres.
Wednesday 6:40 a.m. UPDATE: The fire has burned 3022 acres and is 50% contained fire crews are continuing to build and strengthen fire control lines. Two Structures and ten outbuildings have been destroyed by the fire. Highway 58 is open.
