California Wildfire Threatens Iconic Reagan Ranch
by Penny Starr
The Alisal fire in Santa Barbara County, California, is threatening the ranch once owned by late President Ronald Reagan, and firefighters are working to save the “Western Whitehouse.”
The 688-acre ranch, dubbed Rancho del Cielo, served at a vacation home for Reagan and first lady Nancy Reagan during his time as president.
“The fire was several miles from the ranch, which has good defensible space, and several USFS engines were arriving to provide structure protection,” Santa Barbara County Fire public information officer Mike Eliason wrote on Twitter on Tuesday afternoon.
#Alisal Fire – UPDATE- 7 a.m. briefing held at ICP/Earl Warren Showgrounds. 14,500 acres, 5% contained. 1,300 personnel assigned with more on the way. Hoping for favorable winds for fixed-wing aircraft to engage. Photos by Christina Favuzzi/MFD pic.twitter.com/81IA8b1HsY
— SBCFireInfo (@EliasonMike) October 13, 2021