UPDATE (6:40 a.m.) - According to CAL FIRE SLO, the Branch Fire has burned 3,022 acres and is now 50% contained.
Two structures and 10 outbuildings have been destroyed, fire crews are continuing to build and strengthen fire control lines.
Highway 58 is now open.
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UPDATE (8:19 p.m.) - The Branch Fire is holding at 2,500 to 3,000 acres and is 30% contained.
Branch Fire Update. Fire is now 30% contained fire activity has decreased and is holding at 2500 to 3000 acres. #BranchIC #CountyofSlo #CaliforniaValley
— CAL FIRE SLO (@CALFIRE_SLO) July 29, 2020
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UPDATE (7:24 p.m.) - CAL FIRE tweeted the fire is 2,500 acres and 10% contained.
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UPDATE (6:51 p.m.) - CAL FIRE says the Branch Fire, which broke out Tuesday afternoon in California Valley, has burned between 2,500 and 3,000 acres.
The fire started in the area of of Highway 58 and Soda Lake Road at about 2 p.m.
At least one structure has burned and CAL FIRE says other buildings and PG&E power lines remain threatened.
Evacuations have been ordered for residents along Belmont Trail and Soda Lake Road.
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UPDATE (5:01 p.m.) - Additional evacuations have been ordered for Soda Lake Road to Branch Mountain Road and Belmont Trail to Greybriar.
Previously, residents on Belmont Trail from Soda Lake Road to Branch Mountain Road were told to evacuate.
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UPDATE (4:28 p.m.) - CAL FIRE says the fire has grown to 1,550 acres.
An evacuation center is located at the California Valley Recreation Center.
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UPDATE (4:15 p.m.) - The Branch Fire in California Valley has now burned 750 acres, according to CAL FIRE.
Highway 58 is closed at Soda Lake Road.
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UPDATE (3:59 p.m.) - California Valley residents on Belmont Trail from Soda Lake Road to Branch Mountain Road have been told to evacuate as a result of a growing brush fire.
The fire, which broke out at about 2 p.m. in the area of Highway 58 and Soda Lake Road, has reportedly burned 350 acres.
At least one structure has burned.
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(3:23 p.m.) - A brush fire off of Highway 58 in eastern San Luis Obispo County has burned 250 acres, according to CAL FIRE.
The "Branch Fire" is 10% contained as of 3:15 p.m.
It broke out at around 2 p.m. in the area of Highway 58 and Soda Lake Road.
This story is developing and will be updated.
