Crime & Safety

Willow Fire Spreads Minimally Overnight, But Still No Containment

The blaze, first reported on June 17, was 2,088 acres as of Sunday afternoon, up slightly from 2,066 acres on Saturday night.

The blaze has been difficult to access due to the steep terrain and safety concerns, fire officials said.
The blaze has been difficult to access due to the steep terrain and safety concerns, fire officials said. (Renee Schiavone/Patch)

MONTEREY COUNTY, CA — Fire crews saw minimal growth overnight of the Willow Fire burning in rugged terrain in the Los Padres National Forest in Monterey County.

The blaze, first reported on June 17, was 2,088 acres as of Sunday afternoon -- up slightly from 2,066 acres on Saturday night. The fire remains 0 percent contained, fire officials said.

Increased humidity overnight helped slow the wildfire but vegetation in the area remains critically dry and provides more fuel for the fire's spread, according to a news release from the U.S. Forest Service.

Find out what's happening in Santa Cruzfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The blaze has been difficult to access due to the steep terrain and safety concerns, fire officials said.

Residents near the fire zone have been evacuated from Tassajara Zen Center to China Camp. There is an evacuation warning for areas north of Arroyo Seco Campground to Anastasia Canyon, west of Carmel Valley Road and east of Tassajara Road.

Find out what's happening in Santa Cruzfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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