Plains

Plains Fire Report - August 13, 2026

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Plains Fire ignited just after 12:00 p.m. (officially reported around 12:35 p.m.) on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. It is located near the 9400 block of Soda Lake Road on the Carrizo Plain, east of Santa Margarita in San Luis Obispo County, California.
Size and Containment: As of the morning of August 13, 2026, the fire has burned approximately 2,500 acres and is 35% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire initially exhibited a moderate rate of spread, driven by winds through short grass standing about one foot tall. It grew rapidly from an initial 300 acres to 2,500 acres overnight due to wind and terrain. However, the forward progress of the fire has now been successfully stopped.
Containment Efforts: The response is being managed by the CAL FIRE San Luis Obispo Unit. Currently, 47 personnel are assigned to the incident, utilizing 10 engines, 3 dozers, and 4 other resources. Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout the state have been flying fire suppression missions. Firefighters are making good progress strengthening and improving containment lines. The estimated suppression cost to date is approximately $200,000.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: There are currently no mandatory evacuation orders in effect for the Plains Fire.
Evacuation Warnings: Initial evacuation warnings were issued out of an abundance of caution for areas east of the Rock Front Area, west of Cottonwood Canyon Road, and south of Highway 166, but the immediate threat has diminished.
Evacuation Shelters and Impact: Due to the remote location of the fire and the lack of threatened residential neighborhoods, no evacuation shelters have been established at this time. The fire is burning on remote, predominantly private land in the Carrizo Plain area; consequently, the estimated number of people directly impacted by evacuations is near zero, with no large populations displaced.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• Soda Lake Road has experienced temporary traffic impacts and localized closures to allow fire apparatus and crews safe access to the area.
• Visitors to the Carrizo Plain National Monument area are advised to stay alert for changing conditions and avoid non-essential travel near the fire zone.
• No major state highways are currently closed due to this incident.

For more information, visit:

• CAL FIRE Active Incidents Map
• PrepareSLO - San Luis Obispo County Emergency Information
• San Luis Obispo County Public Works - Road Closures

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reported civilian or firefighter injuries or fatalities associated with the Plains Fire.
Structures Impacted: No structures have been reported as damaged or destroyed. The fire is burning in a rural area, and while it initially threatened a few rural properties, forward progress was stopped before any structures were lost.
School and Business Closures: There are no reported school or business closures, as the fire is located in a remote, unpopulated region of the county.
Notable Impacts: The fire burned near a local solar farm and the Carrizo Plain National Monument, but no critical infrastructure or notable landmarks have been destroyed.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No fire-related power outages have been reported in the area.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns or boil water advisories have been issued.
Burn Bans: CAL FIRE has suspended all burn permits for outdoor residential burning across most State Responsibility Areas (SRAs) in California due to elevated fire risk.
Air Quality: Smoke from the fire may cause localized air quality impacts in eastern San Luis Obispo County and western Kern County. Residents, especially those with respiratory conditions, are advised to limit outdoor activities if smoke is visible.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: With forward progress officially stopped and containment at 35%, firefighters anticipate making steady progress over the next few days. Crews will remain on the scene to reinforce containment lines, mop up hot spots, and patrol the perimeter to ensure the fire does not escape its current footprint.
Weather and Wind Warnings: The weather in San Luis Obispo County is currently partly sunny to mostly cloudy with temperatures in the low 70s and moderate humidity. However, temperatures are forecast to warm into the 80s and 90s over the weekend with decreasing humidity. While Red Flag Warnings are in effect for other parts of the state due to warm temperatures and low humidity, the immediate fire area is experiencing favorable enough conditions for crews to hold the fire lines.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The cause of the Plains Fire is currently under investigation by CAL FIRE officials.
Weather and Climate: The fire's rapid initial spread was fueled by dry, short grass and wind-driven runs typical of the region's topography. California is currently in the midst of its traditional warm, dry summer fire season. Above-normal temperatures and dry conditions across the state have continued to cure dead and live fuels, making the landscape highly susceptible to rapid wildfire spread when ignitions occur.

For more information, visit:

• CAL FIRE's Plains Fire Incident Page
• CAL FIRE San Luis Obispo Unit (SLU) on X
• San Luis Obispo County Office of Emergency Services