The Chimney fire expanded to 24,096 acres Saturday night as fire teams worked to prevent its advance towards the historic Hearst Castle and other communities. The fire’s leading edge was about two miles from the National Historic Landmark and museum on Saturday, and firefighters have managed to arrest the fire’s advance by concentrating trucks and firefighters in the area between the castle and the fire. Winds that on Saturday were whipping the flames towards Hearst Castle reversed themselves temporarily, said Rich Brocchini, spokesman for Cal Fire. More than 300 structures are still threatened by the fire, including Hearst Castle and some communities around Lake Nacimiento. Hearst Castle, built for newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst in 1919, is a state park and historical museum that houses a large collection of European art.

Source: Los Angeles Times August 21, 2016 18:19 UTC