A huge California fire is inching closer to the iconic Reagan Ranch where the former US president and his wife Nancy used to go on holiday, threatening to burn it to the ground.

These images, shared by the Los Padres National Forest on social media, show just how close the fire is coming to the historic site.

The National Forest said in a caption of one photograph posted on Twitter on 12th October just over 12 hours ago: “The view of the Alisal Fire from the Reagan Ranch this morning. Fire crews are working diligently to keep the fire away from the ranch.”

The Reagan Ranch, which is officially called the Reagan Rancho del Cielo, is located near the city of Goleta in the southern part of Santa Barbara County in the western US state of California.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s office also posted a photograph on Instagram just over 18 hours ago showing police officers standing in front of a huge orange plume of smoke as the fire raged in the background.

They said: “Three teams of Deputies and seven field Search and Rescue volunteer teams visited 101 locations to give evacuation orders and warnings, throughout the night.

“As of 6.20am, the Alisal Fire stands at 0 percent containment with approximately 6,000 acres burned.

“Evacuation Orders and Warnings issued yesterday, remain in place. Highway 101 remains closed between Highway 1 and Winchester Canyon Road/Cathedral Oaks in both directions. Please stay safe and use alternative routes.”

The Montecito Fire Department (MFD), which is located in the unincorporated community of Montecito, also in Santa Barbara County, has asked citizens on social media to “remain vigilant always and sign up for emergency alerts”.

They also stated that they are continuing “to assist our partners at the Alisal Fire. We’ve committed 2 Type 3 engines, a Type 6 engine, a battalion chief & 6 additional personnel […]”. (sic)

Showing footage of the fire on Instagram just over 12 hours ago, the MFD said: “Erratic, strong sundowner winds continue to challenge firefighting conditions at the Alisal Fire in the Refugio area. Smoke from the fire is impacting our air quality. If you are sensitive to smoke, please limit time outside.”

Just over nine hours ago, the Los Padres National Forest said: “The Alisal Fire made a push west this afternoon toward Mariposa Reina. Air tankers joined the fire fight & made numerous drops to assist fire crews on the ground.”

The Reagans bought the ranch in 1974, and after being elected president of the United States, Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy spend their holidays there, so much so that it became known as the Western White House. It is now owned by the conservative organisation Young America’s Foundation.