UPDATE (Sunday July 5th, 5:00 p.m.) -Fire crews have controlled the fire as of Sunday afternoon.
Officials say the Lake Fire burned more than 580 acres.
Firefighters ran into challenges overnight that made it difficult to contain the fire, but crews were able to keep it from damaging the Topaz Solar Farm and nearby PG&E infrastructure.
#LakeIC (FINAL) Fire controlled and GPSd at approx. 588 acres. Significant challenges last night hampered efforts to contain the fire but #firefighters kept the fire from damaging Topaz Solar Farm and PGnE infrastructure. @SLO_City_Fire @SantaSmv7800 pic.twitter.com/LCDVH8vgdZ
— CAL FIRE SLO (@CALFIRE_SLO) July 5, 2020
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UPDATE (11:45 p.m.) - Forward progress of the fire has been stopped at about 400 to 450 acres.
Fire crews will remain on scene overnight into the morning hours.
#LakeIC (UPDATE) Forward progress stopped at approx. 400-450 acres. At least 3-4 hours remaining at scene to extinguish hot spots. Likely 2 engines at scene overnight and day shift tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/xLQDQR7yhS
— CAL FIRE SLO (@CALFIRE_SLO) July 5, 2020
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UPDATE (10:13 p.m.) - The fire has grown to 150 acres and is now burning towards the Topaz Solar Farm.
Fire crews have just started accessing the area of the fire.
Equipment starting to access the area of fire. @CALFIRE_SLO Fire Investigator at scene. @SLO_City_Fire providing Mutual Aid. pic.twitter.com/ZlDOs5efqU
— CAL FIRE SLO (@CALFIRE_SLO) July 5, 2020
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The fire, dubbed the Lake Fire, has now burned 100 acres with a potential to grow to 500, according to CAL FIRE SLO.
The fire is burning south towards Highway 58.
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ORIGINAL STORY (Saturday July, 4th 9:11 p.m.) - A brush fire broke out Saturday evening off Highway 58 in the California Valley east of Santa Margarita.
CAL FIRE SLO says they are responding to reports of a vegetation fire near the 13000 Block of Soda Lake Road in a remote location.
The fire is burning 20 acres in light flashy fuels.
Remote location of fire located north of Hwy. 58 directly across from Soda Lake Road. Extended response time for additional units on first and second alarm. @CALFIRE_SLO Engine 42 and Engine 3468 making an aggressive initial attack to defend structures.
— CAL FIRE SLO (@CALFIRE_SLO) July 5, 2020
One structure and one vehicle are involved, officials say.
Fire crews are requesting a second alarm.
This is a developing story, check back later for details.