The Rey Fire was a wildfire that burned in the area southeast of Lake Cachuma in the range above the Santa Ynez River, Santa Barbara County, California, in 2016.[1] By the time the fire was contained, it had burned 32,606 acres (131.95 km2).
The fire
The fire was first reported at 3:15 pm on Thursday August 18, 2016, and by Saturday morning had grown to over 13,224 acres (53.52 km2),[1][3] nearly quadrupling in size over night. About 300 people were evacuated from their campsites and residences, and on Friday officials let up to 5 groups at a time retrieve personal belongings from their campsites.[4] As of Monday morning, about 1200 firefighters were working on containing the blaze, as well as 11 aircraft.[5] As of Monday morning, the fire has exploded to 23,546 acres and has increased back to 20% containment in 4 days and 14 hours, since it started.[5]
The National Weather Service reported on Saturday that the fire had produced a pyrocloud. This mass of hot air resembles a thunderstorm cloud that can collapse when the air cools down. The wind can manifest as strong gusts at the surface which can exacerbate the fire.[6]
On Sunday night, August 28, the fire had charred 33,006 acres and was 54% contained, with very little, if not no growth overnight.[7]
The acreage of the fire was decreased from 33,006 to 32,606 acres (131.95 km2) and was at 96% containment on September 1.[8]
On September 16, the fire was fully contained, having burned 32,606 acres (131.95 km2)[9]
See also
References
- ^ a b c "Rey Fire". InciWeb. Retrieved August 19, 2016.
- ^ "1,000 acres burned in Santa Barbara County 'Rey Fire'". KSBY 6. Retrieved August 19, 2016.
- ^ Martinez, Christian (August 19, 2016). "Crews continue to fight 10,000-acre Santa Barbara County wildfire". Ventura County Star. Retrieved August 20, 2016.
- ^ "Rey Fire Quadruples in Size Overnight". Santa Barbara Independent. August 20, 2016. Retrieved August 20, 2016.
- ^ a b "Rey Fire burns 23,546 acres, 20% Contained". KSBY. August 22, 2016. Retrieved August 22, 2016.
- ^ Diskin, Megan. "Rey Fire mushrooms in size as Chimney blaze threatens Hearst Castle". Ventura County Star. Retrieved August 22, 2016.
- ^ "Wildfire Update: New Fires Burning Despite Milder Weather". Capital Public Radio. August 28, 2016. Retrieved August 29, 2016.
- ^ Martinez, Christian. "Santa Barbara County's Rey Fire nearly contained". Retrieved September 2, 2016.
- ^ "Rey Fire 100% Contained". September 16, 2016. Retrieved September 18, 2016.