Pasadena Fire Department Strike Team Sent to Combat 50-Square-Mile Chimney Fire in Northern California

To combat the ongoing Chimney Fire which has burned over 35,000 acres since August 13, the Pasadena Fire Department in collaboration with other California fire departments has dispatched a five-engine Brush Strike Team, which includes 22 firefighters and a battalion chief.

The Chimney Fire, which is now over 50 square miles in size and located in San Luis Obispo, is only 35 percent contained, according to the Pasadena Fire Department. So far, it has destroyed 52 properties and damaged seven, according to Cal Fire.

Pasadena Engine 31 and Battalion Chief 2 from Glendale joined up with Santa Fe Springs Engine 821, Downey Engine 63, Vernon Engine 76 and Compton Engine 43 to form Brush Strike Team 1248-A.

The team left around 5:22 p.m. Monday evening to combat the fire, which has caused numerous evacuations throughout the San Luis Obispo County.

The Chimney Fire is a direct threat to the iconic 165-room estate, Hearst Castle. According to the Los Angeles Times, the castle is under constant watch by teams of firefighters and remains closed to the public.