Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency for San Luis Obispo County on Aug. 15 for the ongoing Chimney Fire, which has burned an estimated 4,300 acres along Chimney Rock Road.

Several communities in the area south of Lake Nacimiento were evacuated after the fire destroyed 12 structures and damaged 20 more. Around 200 more are still threatened by the fire, which is estimated to be 10 percent contained.

Cooler temperatures and more moisture overnight allowed firefighters to make progress in containing the fire. Air and ground personnel, including 1,172 members of the SLO County Sherriff’s Department, the SLO County Office of Emergency Services and the California Highway Patrol, continue to construct and strengthen control lines. Seven air tankers, 14 helicopters, 12 bulldozers and 127 fire engines are in use.

The emergency proclamation authorizes the use of state personnel, equipment and facilities, and instructs OES to decide if the county qualifies for state disaster assistance, among other accommodations for residents.

• Contact Marissa Nall at mnall@pacbiztimes.com.