Los Padres Fire Coast Expected to be $23 Million

A fire that has been burning in the Los Padres National Forest for a month is expected to be contained this week.

Fire officials say after burning more than 16,000 acres — or about 25 square miles — the “Chalk Fire” is expected to be contained Wednesday.

After breaking out on Sept. 27, the blaze spread through a rugged area of the forest in south Monterey County that is blanketed by dry chaparral and pockets of timber.

No structures were destroyed by the fire, but officials estimate the cost of battling the wildfire will be close to $23 million.