The Forest Service Special Agents on the Fire Investigation Team is asking for the public’s assistance to help establish the cause of the La Brea Fire which started on August 8, 2009. Investigators have spoken to witnesses, but are still seeking additional information that may assist with the ongoing investigation into the fire.
Specifically, the investigators are seeking any additional information relating to a tan or gold colored 2004-2005 Chevy van that was last seen on Sierra Madre Road on the afternoon of August 8, on the Los Padres National Forest, east of the city of Santa Maria. The van is similar to that in the attached photo. [ed- no photo attached]
Anyone who was in that general area at the time or has other information about the origin of the fire is urged to contact investigators at 805-686-5074. Callers may remain anonymous.

Evening update –

Current Situation
Total Personnel 1,815
Size 29,480 acres
Percent Contained 10%
Fuels Involved
Primarily Chaparral with with areas of grass and timber.
Fire Behavior
Fire was active in the North, made uphill runs and was moving down the slope. Cuyama Valley continues to exhibit rapid rates of spread in the light fuels.
Significant Events
Evacuation orders are still in place areas of Moon and Eckert Canyons and evacuation warnings are still in effect for the areas bounded by Cottonwood Road and Wasioja Road between Highway 166 and Sierra Madre Road. Forest Service closure order no. 09-13-5100-10 is in effect for areas in and around the fire.
Outlook
Planned Actions
Actions for this evening include construction of line on the two slope overs of Sierra Madre Road and structure protection along Foothill Road. Crews will hold and mop up on Sierra Madre Road and continue to construct direct line along Horse Canyon.
Growth Potential
Extreme
Terrain Difficulty
Extreme
Remarks
The La Brea Fire is being managed under unified command with CAL FIRE and California Interagency Management Team 3.

9:00 am – alot of the information hasn’t been changed since last night, but here is the current resources and acreage numbers from inciweb.

Current Situation
Total Personnel 1,277
Size 25,724 acres
Percent Contained 10%
Fuels Involved
Primarily Chaparral with with areas of grass and timber.
Fire Behavior
Fire was active in the North, made uphill runs and was moving down the slope. Cuyama Valley continues to exhibit rapid rates of spread in the light fuels.
Significant Events
Evacuation orders are still in place areas of Moon and Eckert Canyons and evacuation warnings are still in effect for the areas bounded by Cottonwood Road and Wasioja Road between Highway 166 and Sierra Madre Road. Forest Service closure order no. 09-13-5100-10 is in effect for areas in and around the fire.
Outlook

7:00 am – No official updates, yet. However, the ff sites are reporting an unbelievable number of call-up orders for resources last night, to start this morning, which seems to indicate it was not a quiet night. I will update as I learn more. In the mean time, enjoy some new photos below.