Zaca Fire burns 9,500 acres

BY COLBY FRAZIER
DAILY SOUND STAFF WRITER

For the past six days the Zaca Fire has raged in inaccessible, steep terrain nine miles north of Los Olivos, charring an estimated 9,500 acres of private and National Forest land, while managing to grow and thwart the nearly 2,000 firefighters deployed there.
The fire has grown 3,000 acres since Sunday night’s estimate of 6,500 acres despite an intense air battle that includes about 15 helicopters and several fixed wing aircraft.
According to Tony Guzman, a California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection (Cal Fire) employee and public information officer for the Zaca Fire, the blaze has racked up $6.5 million bill -- a $1 million increase over Sunday’s estimate.

Guzman said the blaze is traveling northeast in the San Rafael Wilderness. He said it is currently burning south of Hurricane Deck Trail and southeast of Bald Mountain Canyon.
Guzman said 22 structures near Zaca Lake resort, Manzana Creek and the Figueroa Mountain area are currently threatened. One outbuilding has been destroyed by the fire, which was first reported at 10:53 a.m. on July 4.
So far none of the 22 structures have been evacuated.
The only road closures are Happy Canyon Road at Baseline, and Figueroa Mountain Road at the Highway 154 junction.
All air traffic at the Figueroa Helibase was temporarily grounded yesterday after a contract helicopter crashed while taking off from that site.
Guzman said the pilot and copilot were transported by ambulance to a hospital where they were treated and released with minor injuries. He said inspectors continued to investigate the cause of the crash today.
He said 13 firefighters have been injured, most of whom were treated for heat related illnesses. One firefighter sustained a broken leg.
Guzman said the temperature at the fire yesterday was 79 degrees fahrenheit, with 37 percent humidity. Though the temperature is far below last weeks plus 100 degree marks, Guzman said the amount of moisture in the vegetation remains dangerously low and perfect to fuel the blaze.
“It’s a fuel driven fire,” Guzman said. “It’s just following those fuels.”
He said today’s weather forecasts have predicted lighting, which not only poses the threat of more fires, but will likely bring along wind.
According to the Cal Fire web site, the fire is currently 30 percent contained. Full containment isn’t expected until July 22.
Starting this Friday, Los Padres National Forest Service officials plan to impose additional fire restrictions.
The restrictions include the prohibition of wood and charcoal fires in all areas of the Los Padres forest, including developed campgrounds and campfire use sites.
No recreational target shooting will be allowed except at the Winchester Gun Club. Hunting is permitted with a valid hunting license. Smoking will also be prohibited in all areas of the forest unless in an enclosed vehicle, building or designated campfire site.
For a full list of restrictions visit www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres.