Update Tuesday evening, September 22
The Lopez fire that began Saturday afternoon is now 70 percent contained, according to Cal Fire.
As of Tuesday evening at 6:00 pm, there have been four minor injuries from the Lopez fire, but no structures have been reported destroyed.
A Cal Fire press release states that residents in the region have been allowed to return to their homes, but are advised to stay fire ready. Evacuation warnings for French Camp near Upper Lopez Canyon Rd. and the 1700 block of Upper Lopez Canyon Rd. are still in place. All roadways are open.
Update Tuesday morning, September 22
Cal Fire officials announced Tuesday morning the Lopez fire was caused by a campfire not being properly extinguished. The fire started near Camp French in the Lopez Lake Recreation Area.
Video courtesy of Cal Fire SLO
The Lopez fire is now 50 percent contained and still burning 220 acres.
Cal Fire will hold a meeting Tuesday evening to discuss plans to continue to contain the fire as firefighters work to establish proper control lines.
Update Monday, September 23
Cal Fire announced on Twitter Monday morning that the Lopez Fire has reduced to 220 acres and is now 20 percent contained. Firefighters on scene are working to improve containment lines in very steep terrain.
Evacuation orders for Upper Lopez Canyon and French Camp will be reduced to a “warning” at 11:00 a.m.
On Sunday, Cal Fire said fire activity was minimal and stayed within control lines.
Original Story
Evacuations are in place in the Upper Lopez Canyon from French Camp due to a vegetation fire near Lopez Lake, according to Cal Fire.
The Lopez Fire has burned some 250 acres and is zero percent contained as of 6:30 p.m. Saturday, according to Cal Fire. The fire began Saturday afternoon near Lopez Lake at 2:25 pm and Cal Fire crews began responding shortly after.
There are nearly 200 firefighters on scene according to Cal Fire, receiving aid from other agencies including Atascadero, Camp Roberts, Five Cities, Santa Margarita and Santa Barbara County.
Los Padres National Forest tweeted that six air tankers are on scene.
Cal Fire said current evacuations are in “limited capacity” and are receiving assistance from San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Office.
The fire is burning southeast of Lake Lopez Recreation Area and has a moderate spread to the south. Cal Fire reported there is retardant on two thirds of the perimeter of the Lopez fire.
Cal Fire described the land topography as a steep and rugged terrain, and the area burning is mainly grass and brush.
Cal Fire also reported 24 structures are currently threatened from the fire.
This is a breaking story. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.