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Rey Fire in Santa Barbara County Almost Doubles within 24 Hours to Nearly 19,000 Acres

Photo by Los Padres National Forest
19,000-acre Rey Fire burning in the Santa Ynez Valley

The fast-moving brush fire burning in the Los Padres National Forest of Santa Barbara County has almost doubled in size within 24 hours. Officials say the Rey Fire has now scorched nearly 19,000 acres of land, and containment remains at just 10%.

About 800 firefighters, along with air tankers and helicopters, are fighting the fire.  But the brush fire is difficult to get under control because it's located in steep, rugged terrain of the Santa Ynez Valley near Paradise Road. 

It broke out Thursday afternoon. So far, no building have burned.  Investigators are trying to determine the cause of the fire.