Rey Fire in Santa Barbara burns 600 acres, threatens structures

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KABC) -- A wildfire that broke out in the Los Padres National Forest, dubbed the Rey Fire, threatened nearby structures and charred through dry brush Thursday afternoon.

Officials with the Los Padres National Forest said the Rey Fire had burned 600 acres and was threatening structures, but was at 20 percent containment.

The blaze sparked at about 3:15 p.m. near White Rock Campground off Paradise Road, according to officials.

Campers and the Los Prietos Boys Camp were evacuated to San Marcos and Santa Ynez high schools, authorities said. An evacuation center was also set up at Lake Cachuma County Park.

State Route 154 was temporarily closed, but eventually reopened by Thursday evening. Paradise Road remained closed until further notice.

Motorists traveling in both directions were urged to take the 101 Freeway.

Santa Barbara County Public Health officials said an air quality watch was issued for the county.