UPDATE 5:15 PM Monday: CalFire determined the cause of the York Fire to be a cigarette dropped along South Boundary Road. CalFire says it's crucial that everyone stays extra diligent when it comes to fire prevention. The area is very dry. For prevention and safety tips click here.
UPDATE: 6:58 PM: Firefighters fully contained the York Fire at 6:58pm Sunday. There were no injuries and no buildings burned. Final acreage is 31 acres burned. The cause remains under investigation.
UPDATE 5:32 PM: All evacuations have been lifted for the York Fire. CalFire reports it's more than 50% contained. According to the agency, crews from all over Monterey County responded quickly with an aggressive attack.
UPDATE 5:08 PM: CalFire says the York Fire is now 32 acres.
CalFire reports they're making good progress against the York Fire burning near the York School. This is just off Highway 68 east of Monterey. Crews have stopped forward progress of the fire. Evacuations remain in place for Ryan Ranch and the York Road area.
The fire has grown from 30 to 31.5 acres over the last hour. Crews are fighting the fire from the ground and by air. Planes are dropping fire retardant and helicopters are doing water drops.
York and South Boundary roads are closed. The wildfire started just after 2 o’clock this afternoon. Winds are calm right now but the National Weather Service says they could pick up slightly around 8 o'clock tonight.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.