Firefighters reported more good news Wednesday morning for the Sherpa Fire, which at 89 percent contained burns a steady 7,969 acres. In the last 24 hours, reports Los Padres National Forest, the blaze has seen little growth as focus shifts toward extinguishing “hot spots” within its secure loop.
Only the northeast corner of the fire remains uncontained because of particularly steep terrain. Last night, containment jumped 19 percent — from 70 percent Tuesday — and estimated costs from $12.5 million to $15.8 million.
Evacuation warnings were lifted at 5 a.m. Wednesday for Las Llagas, Gato, Las Varas, Dos Pueblos, and Eagle canyons, as well as Calle Lippizana near the equestrian center. Mandatory evacuations, previously in place for Venadito and Las Flores canyons, were reduced to warnings at the same time.