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As crews work to fully contain Gifford Fire, Santa Margarita Lake reopens

10 injuries have been reported so far
Gifford Fire crews  LPNF.jpg
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UPDATE (2:22 p.m.): Santa Margarita Lake has reopened for day use and camping. County of San Luis Obispo Parks and Recreation reports that while the Marina boat launch ramp is closed due to fire trucks still needing to access the lake for water, the White Oak launch ramp is open for boat launching and visitors.

To the south, Lopez Lake is expected to reopen Thursday for day use and camping. Due to fire activity impacting water supply to the park, a boil water order is currently in place.


ORIGINAL STORY: Safety due to the Gifford Fire remains a top priority for fire crews as firefighters work to gain full containment on the fire that has burned 131,589 acres between San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.

As of Tuesday morning, 10 injuries had been attributed due to the fire, which remains 95 percent contained. No new growth of the fire was reported Monday and fire officials say the fire remained within the already established containment lines.

Suppression work also continued along the fire’s southern end.

WATCH: How crews are using drones for Gifford Fire

Crews are using drones to fight the Gifford Fire: Here's how they work

Tuesday, crews will continue with mop-up of the Gifford fire and work to put out hot spots. Work is also underway to return trails to a more natural condition.

More than 2,700 fire personnel, which includes hand crews, dozers, fire engines and water tenders, are still assigned to the fire.

Monday afternoon, water-dropping helicopters assigned to the Gifford Fire assisted with the initial attack of another vegetation fire that broke out near Atascadero. The forward progress of that fire was stopped at 40 acres.

WATCH: Vegetation fire breaks out near Atascadero

Fire burns 40 acres near Atascadero

With the possibility of triple-digit temps later this week for portions of the Gifford Fire, firefighters say elevated critical fire weather conditions will persist.

For questions, concerns or information on the fire, the public information center can be reached at (805) 308-5533. For the latest on evacuation warnings and orders in place in San Luis Obispo County, click here.

Many of the remaining evacuation orders and warnings in Santa Barbara County were lifted Monday.