2016 wildfire in Southern California
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]
