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Updates & Resources:Inciweb incident Information: UpdatesMonterey County Emergency Services: InformationThose affected by wildfires can apply for disaster assistance by visiting disasterassistance.gov, downloading the FEMA app or calling (800) 621-3362.Note: This page below also includes archived stories from past fire coverage.

Soberanes Fire Updates: 132,127 Acres, 100% Contained

DailyUpdates from the US Forest Service

Follow CalFire on Twitter @CAL_FIRE

Google Map of the Soberanes Fire

Current Local Air Quality

Organizations helping those affected by the Soberanes Fire

For KAZU News stories on the fire click here

Thursday, October 13th Update

At 132,127 acres, the Soberanes Fire is now 100% contained.  Crews will continue mop up work, and areas within the containment lines will continue to smolder.  After the first rain, the fire will be considered completely out.

Monday, October 10th Update

Evacuation warnings have been lifted as of 6:00 pm Sunday.  Smoldering areas will continue to put up smoke, but are well within the fire perimeter. This will continue until a season ending rain arrives.   The fire is now 99% contained and has burned 132,127 acres.

Friday Update (Day 71)

The containment date on the Soberanes Fire has been pushed back to October 15th.  The date  was adjusted after a thorough evaluation of the fire and projected weather conditions.   The fire has burned 132,069 and is 92% contained.

Tuesday Update (Day 68)

Only one evacuation order remain in effect for the Soberanes Fire.  It's for Tassajarra Road from Chews Ridge to the Zen Center.  There are currently no warnings in effect.  The fire has burned 128,380 and is 81% contained.

Monday Update (Day 67)

Two evacuation orders are in effect for the Soberanes Fire, which has burned 127,478 acres and is 78% contained.  

There's a new order for the east side of Tassajara Road from Chews Ridge to Bruce Ranch. Bruce Ranch east along Anastasia Canyon to Carmel Valley Road. Carmel Valley Road south from Anastasia Canyon to Tash Ranch has been lifted. 

The evacuation order for Tassajara Road from Chews Ridge south to the end of the road at Tassajara Hot Springs is still in place.
 
 
Friday Update (Day 64)

High winds that led to the Red Flag Warning have died down allowing firefighters to make progress. The Soberanes Fire has burned 126,323 and is 73% contained.  A community meeting will be held tomorrow night (see Day 62 update).

Wednesday Update (Day 62)

A community meeting will be held on Saturday, September 24th at 6:00pm at the fire station in Arroyo Seco.  The Soberanes Fire has burned 123,241 acres and is 71% contained. 

Tuesday Update (Day 61)

Strong winds lead to a spot fire and new evacuation orders and warnings overnight. The winds carried embers across a control line north of Chews Ridge.  While pre-staged crews were able to quickly reach it, the spot fire led to new evacuation orders in the following areas.

  • East side of Tassajara Road from Chews Ridge to Bruce Ranch 
  • Bruce Ranch East along Anastasia Canyon to Carmel Valley Road  
  • Carmel Valley Road South from Anastasia Canyon to Tash Ranch 

There are also two new evacuation warnings.

  • North of Carmel Valley Road from Hastings Preserve to Cahoon Ranch
  • North of Carmel Valley Road from Choon Ranch east to Tash Ranch

The Soberanes Fire has burned 121,050 acres and is 71% contained.

Thursday Update (Day 56)

A community meeting will be held tonight  at the Arroyo Seco Fire Station at 46700 Arroyo Seco Road in Greenfield at 6:00pm.  The fire has burned 107,479 acres and containment is now at 55%. That's up after dropping to 52% yesterday.  

Tuesday Update (Day 54)

The California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 is now command of the Soberanes Fire. The fire has burned 107,050 acres and is 60% contained.

Monday Update (Day 53)

The Soberanes Fire continued to grow over the weekend.  An evacuation order is now in effect for Tassajara Road from Chews Ridge south to the end of the road at Tassajara Hot Springs.  At last report, the fire was roughly 2 miles from the Tassajara Zen Center.

 

The fire has burned 105,705 acres and is 60% contained.  A community meeting will be held tonight for the community of Arroyo Seco at the Arroyo Seco Fire Station and Community Center located at 46700 Arroyo Seco Road, Greenfield.  Members of the Alaska Incident Management Team will be there to answer questions.

On Tuesday at 6:00am, command of the fire will transition from the Alaska Team to California Incident Management Team 4.

Friday Update (Day 50)

Earlier this week two drones entered into the air space over the Soberanes Fire where there are temporary flight restrictions in place.  One came about 1/4 mile away from where a helicopter was working.  A drone operate was cited for entering the airspace.   The fire has burned 103,242 acres and is 60% contained.

Thursday Update (Day 49)

Warming temperatures and winds are contributing to the growth of the Soberanes Fire.  It's now 102,499 acres and 60% contained.  At it's closest point, the fire is roughly 2 miles from the Tassajara Zen Center.

Tuesday Update (Day 47)

The Soberanes Fire is now approximately 2 1/2 miles south and west of the Tassajara Zen Center.  An evacuation warning remains in effect for Tassajara Road beginning at Carmel Valley Road to the Zen Center.  The fire has burned 100,979 acres and is 60% contained.

Friday Update (Day 43)

Reminder: a community meeting will be held Saturday, September 3rd at the Cachagua General Store.  That's at 18840 Cachagua Road in Carmel Valley.  It begins at 6:00pm.  The fire has 94,736 acres and is 60% contained. 

Thursday Update (Day 42)

The Soberanes Fire has grown to 94,180 acres and is 60% contained.  The southern most point is inching closer to the Tassajara Zen Center.  It's roughly four miles away.  Find that KAZU News story here

Wednesday Update (Day 41)

Strong winds along the Big Sur coast did not create as much fire activity as expected.  The fire has grown just a few hundred acres in the last day.  Its up to 93,714 and remains 60% contained.

A community meeting will be held on Saturday, September 3rd at the Cachagua General Store in Carmel Valley. That begins at 6:00pm.

Tuesday Update (Day 40)

Fire containment continues to hold at 60%.  93,245 acres have burned.

Monday Update (Day 39)

A community meeting will be held at tonight at the Big Sur Station at 47455 Highway 1 in Big Sur.  It begins at 6:00pm.

There's a new evacuation warning in the Soberanes Fire.   Residents along Highway 1 bounded on the north by Castro Canyon, on the south by the Julie Pfeiffer Burns State Park, on the east by North Coast Ridge Rd, and on the west by Highway 1 should b ready to leave immediately.

The Soberanes Fire is now 92,314 acres and 60% contained.

Friday Update (Day 36)

Some State Parks are reopening after being closed for about a month because of the Soberanes Fire. The Point Sur Light Station State Historic Park is back open with guided tours returning on Saturday, August 27th.   Also, portions of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State park have reopened including McWay Falls trail.  The Big Sur Lodge is open, but Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park remains closed.

US Forest Service land now open includes Pfeiffer Beach Day Use, Mill Creek Day Use, Willow Creek Day Use, Sand Dollar Day Use, Kirk Creek Campground, Nacimiento Campground, Ponderosa Campground and Plaskett Creek Campground.

The Soberanes Fire is now 91,100 acres and 60% contained.  Full containment is expected by September 30th.

Thursday Update (Day 35)

A community meeting will be held tonight at the Cachagua General Store at 18840 Cachagua Road in Carmel Valley. That begins at 6:00pm.  The Soberanes Fire is 90,062 acres and 60% contained.

Wednesday Update (Day 34)

The Soberanes Fire is burning in areas of previous large wildfires including the Basin Complex of 2008 and the Marble-Cone Fire of 1977.  The Soberanes is now 88,654 acres and 60% contained.

Tuesday Update (Day 33)

A community meeting will be held this Thursday, August 25th at 6:00pm in the Cachagua General Store.  That's at 18840 Cachagua Road in Carmel Valley.  The Soberanes Fire is 87,316 acres and 60% contained.

Monday Update (Day 32):

The Soberanes Fire is holding at 60% containment as it continues to grow in the Los Padres National Forest.  The fire is now 86,294 acres.

One evacuation order remains in effect for Coast Ridge Road from mile marker 1.5 to Marble Peak at the end of the road.  There's also an evacuation warning for Tassajara Road from Carmel Valley to the Tassajara Hot Springs Zen Center.

 
Thursday Update (Day 28):

September 30th is the new containment date for the Soberanes Fire.  The active fire is burning primarily in the rugged Los Padres National Forest.  It's now 79,000 acres and 60% contained.

Wednesday Update (Day 27):

Only one evacuation order remains in effect for the Soberanes Fire. It's for Coast Ridge Road from mile marker 1.5 to Marble Peak at the end of the road in Big Sur. The fire is now 76,683 acres and 60% contained.

Tuesday Update 2 (Day 26):

A community meeting will be held tonight in Big Sur at 6:00pm.  That's at Big Sur State Park Multi-Agency Facility (47555 Highway 1).  Evacuation orders in Big Sur have been reduced.  There is currently only one evacuation order in effect.   It's for the East side of Highway 1 from Andrew Molera Park to Coast Ridge Rd, including all roads accessed from that area.

Tuesday Update 1 (Day 26) :

Highway 1 reopened early this morning. It was closed between the Ripple Cafe and North Coast Ridge Road beginning early yesterday morning to lower telephone poles, cut down hazardous trees and re-string lines following a successful firing operation by CalFire over the weekend. This work was essential to ensure the safety of  motorists, residents and firefighters. 

The Soberanes Fire is 76, 017 acres and is 60% contained.

Monday Update 2 (Day 25):

Highway 1 in Big Sur will be closed until midnight tonight.  The closure is between the Ripplewood Cafe at 47047 Highway 1 and North Coast Ridge Road.  The closure is due to hazardous trees in the area along with the need to re-string power and telephone lines along the highway.

Monday Update 1 (Day 25):

Tactical firing operations were successful in the Big Sur Area yesterday.

Highway 1 closed yesterday at 2pm in both directions between Point Sur Lighthouse and North Coast Ridge Road due to firing operations and PG&E cut off power in the area during that time as well to ensure safety of residents and firefighters. The same area closed again at 2 this morning and remains closed due to what CalFire is calling a ‘hazardous tree’ in the area. They’ll reopen highway 1 in that area as soon as the threat to firefighter and public safety has been reduced, which they estimate to be around 5 this afternoon . And they say that closures of Highway 1 could be possible through the week as operations continue, but they’ll try to give as much advanced notice as possible.

The Soberanes Fire is at 74, 604 acres and is still 60% contained.

Sunday Update 2 (Day 24) : The following evacuation warnings will be lifted:

  • For all residents along Cachagua Road at Nason Rd. to Trampa Canyon Rd;
  • Cachagua Rd from Carmel Valley Road to Tassajara Rd.
  • Effective at 6:00 P.M. today.

 
This is due to significant progress between firefighters and cooperating agencies. The warning for Tassajara road is continually reevaluated based on fire conditions. These areas had remained under an evacuation warning to provide safety for the public and firefighters as firefighters completed operations in the area.

PG&E to de-energize powerlines along Hwy 1 to assist Soberanes firefighters with tactical burn operations.

This action corresponds with the closure of Hwy 1 to help ensure the safety of firefighters in the Big Sur Area along the highway.
The following areas will be de-energized at 2:00 P.M. today:

  • South of the Fernwood vicinity
  • North of Dolan Creek.

This emergency planned outage may last up to 24 hours. Outages are due to anticipated tactical firing operations in the Big Sur area today, corresponding with the closure of Hwy 1. This closure and power outage will be continually re-evaluated based on fire conditions, and the threats to firefighter and public safety. PG&E is attempting to notify customers affected by this outage. For information specific to this emergency planned outage, customers may contact PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.

Sunday Update (Day 24) :

The fire continues backing into the coastal ridge area above Big Sur, as well as into the Carmel and Ventana drainages. 

Due to anticipated firing operations in the Big Sur area tomorrow, highway 1 will be closed beginning at 2 this afternoon from Point Sur Lighthouse to North Coast Ridge Road for up to 24 hours.

The Soberanes Fire is 72, 566 acres and is 60% contained. 57 homes have been destroyed, 410 structures remain threatened and total personnel is 4, 263.  

Saturday Update (Day 23) : 

There was minimal fire growth overnight. Firing operations will proceed over the next few days as fire crews continue to do small firing out operations to guide the Soberanes fire away from the Big Sur community and southwest further into the Los Padres National Forest. A bit more fire activity is expected throughout today due to higher temperatures, low relative humidity and increased winds due to high pressure.

CalFire says that in order to secure the fire line in the Big Sur area, Highway 1 could be closed at times over the next few days, and that motorists should be aware and prepared for this.

currently the Soberanes Fire is at 71, 860 acres and is 60% contained. 

Friday Update (Day 22) : 

Fire growth was minimal through the night. Firing operations are expected over the next few days to secure the fire line in the Big Sur area. This may necessitate the closure of Hwy 1 at times. 

Fire Captain Larry Kurtz says that fire crews may begin a 'firing out' operation in order to make sure that the fire continues to burn in a southwesterly direction toward the Los Padres National Forest and away from the heart of Big Sur. Kurtz explained that 'firing out' is when firefighters create a smaller fire at a natural fire break (such as a road) close to the mega-fire. The large fire then draws the smaller one toward it as it sucks up nearby wind. When the two fires meet, there is no more air to continue to burn either one, and they consume one another. In this way, firefighters are able to make sure that the fire moves in the direction that they want it to (toward the forest) and away from nearby communities. 

Kurtz also said that a great deal of the equipment that had been missing (as firefighters left it behind as they moved with the blaze) has since been recovered. 

"Some things get left out on the line as firefighters move with the fire," Kurtz began, "and community leaders and others who know the nearby hilly areas well have been finding equipment and returning it to us."

Kurtz went on to give a big 'thank you' to all of those in communities near the blaze who have gone out of their way to return the missing equipment.

Anyone who locates fire hoses, pumps, gas cans or any other equipment can call the Soberanes Fire Information Center at (831) 204-0446, or the Monterey County Sheriff's office at (831) 755-3722.

The Soberanes Fire is 70, 615 acres and is still 55% contained. 57 homes have been destroyed, 3 structures have damaged and 410 remain threatened. 

Thursday Update (Day 21) :

Fire activity was minimal through the night, however pre-planning continues to reduce future threat. 

Cal Fire is asking for the public's assistance locating missing equipment. Firefighters battling the blaze moved with it, deploying equipment along the way and they are now asking the public to report any equipment found in the fire area to authorities. Anyone who locates fire hoses, pumps, gas cans or any other equipment should call the Soberanes Fire Information Center at (831) 204-0446, or the Monterey County Sheriff's office at (831)755-3722.

The Soberanes Fire is 69,837 acres and is now 55% contained. 57 homes have been destroyed and 410 structures remain threatened.

Wednesday Update (Day 20):

Fire activity was minimal yesterday and through the night, but planning for firing operations continues but will only be considered during favorable weather conditions. The fire continues to burn in steep, rugged and inaccessible terrain...

HIGHWAY 1 was closed again overnight to all traffic in both directions between Palo Colorado Road and North Coast Ridge Road due to an increase in fire and wind activity.

There are road closures in place due to the fire on Palo Colorado road at highway 1 (open to residents only), Coast Road, Apple Pie Ridge Road, and Coast Ridge Road.

The Monterey Bay Air Resources District reports that the air quality this morning in Carmel and Salinas is at very unhealthy levels and at moderately unhealthy levels in Monterey, the Carmel Valley, Gonzales, Greenfield and Soledad.

The Soberanes fire is now 68, 698 acres and is still 50% contained. 57 homes have been destroyed and 410 structures remain threatened.

Tuesday Update (Day 19): 

Fire remained active throughout the day yesterday. Pre-planning continues to reduce future threat. Fire continues to burn in steep, rugged and inaccessible terrain.

HIGHWAY 1 was closed overnight to all traffic in both directions between Palo Colorado Road and North Coast Ridge Road due to an increase in fire and wind activity. Cal fire says to expect similar closures in the area over the next week or so if wind and fire persist in that area near highway 1… 

The Soberanes Fire is now 67,092 acres and is now 50% contained. 410 structures remain threatened.

Monday Update (Day 18):

Fire activity remained moderate overnight with some uphill runs and some interior burning. Planning for firing operations continues but will only be considered during favorable weather conditions. Pre-planning continues to reduce potential future threat. Fire continues to burn in steep, rugged and inaccessible terrain.

The air quality in Gonzales, Salinas and Soledad is at moderately unhealthy levels and the condition of the air in Carmel, the Carmel Valley and Greenfield is at a very unhealthy level. More information can be found at http://mbard.org/air-quality/

The Soberanes Fire is 60,400 acres and still 45% contained. 411 structures are threatened. 

SUNDAY UPDATE (DAY 17):

Overnight, the Monterey County Sheriff's Office issued an evacuation order  for the Big Sur Area from the Point Sur Lighthouse to Graves Canyon.  The Evacuation Center is the All Saints Day School at 8060 Carmel Valley Road.

Meanwhile other evacuees are being allowed to return to their neighborhoods. Evacuation orders have been lifted in the White Rock area, also Garrapata Trout Farm Road and Weston Ridge Road excluding the driveway north of Trout Farm Road.

The Sobereanes Fire is 57,500 acres and 45% contained.  400 structures are threatened.

 
SATURDAY UPDATE (DAY 16):

Firefighters continue to gain the upper hand on the Soberanes Fire.  It's now 55,600 acres and is 40% contained.  

Coming up on Sunday there are two fundraisers for the Soberanes Fire Fund at the Community Foundation for Monterey County.  A benefit farmers market at the Wharfmarketplace, details here.  

The second benefit is at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Sunday, August 7th from 6 to 8 p.m. during Evenings by the Bay.   The event features local food and wine.  Admission is free for locals.  The proceeds from food and drink tickets will go to the Soberanes Fire Fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County.
 
 
 

FRIDAY UPDATE  (DAY 15):

The Soberanes Fire is now 35% contained and is 53,690 acres. Fuel driven runs took place on the south and east side of the fire and pre-planning continues to reduce potential future threat. The fire continues to burn in steep, rugged and inaccessible terrain. 57 homes have been destroyed and 2,000 structures remain threatened.

THURSDAY UPDATE 1 (DAY 14):

A community meeting will be held tonight at Tularcitos Elementary School in Carmel Valley. It begins at 6:00pm.  The fire is now 51,000 acres and 27% contained.

This weekend's Salinas Valley Half Marathon has been canceled because of smoke from the fire.  The  annual Car Week (August 13th-20th) will go ahead as scheduled on Monterey Peninsula and in Carmel Valley.

WEDNESDAY UPDATE 2 (DAY 13):

The Soberanes Fire is now 46,700 acres and 27% contained. Firefighters are working to protect homes in Cachagua and Tassajarra while also trying to guide the fire toward the wilderness in the Los Padres National Forest.

WEDNESDAY UPDATE 1 (DAY 13):

Firefighters are making progress on the Sobranes Fire. The 45,800 acre wildfire is 25% contained. The number of homes destroyed remains at 57 and 2,000 structures are still threatened. The Monterey Bay Area Resource District's air monitoring network is currently unavailable due to technical difficulties. The Air District is working with the EPA's network administrators to resolve the issue as soon as possible.  Investigators confirm that the blaze was started by an illegal campfire and they're asking anyone with information to call the CalFire tip line at 800-468-4408.

TUESDAY UPDATE 2 (DAY 12):

Fire investigators say the cause of the Soberanes Fire was in illegal campfire in Garrapata State Park.  More details here.  Firefighters have started to gain on containment.  The fire is 44,300 acres and now 25% contained.  Damage assessment teams continue to go out in the burn area, but the number of homes destroyed is holding at 57.   2000 structures remain threatened.

TUESDAY UPDATE 1 (DAY 12):

SoberanesNewscast0802.mp3
Day 12 morning update

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve re-opens this morning at 8:00am.  Visitation will be limited to the 150 parking spaces inside the reserve.  Cars will not be allowed to park along Highway 1. 

The number of fire personnel working the Soberanes Fire continues to grow.  It's now up to 5451.  The fire has grown to 43,400 acres and is 18% contained.

MONDAY UPDATE 2 (DAY 11):

The Monterey County Sheriff's Office is allowing evacuees from portions of Santa Lucia Preserve to return home.   This includes those on Rancho San Carlos between Cantera Run and Garzas Trail.  The Soberanes Fire is now 40,700 acres and 18% contained.

On Saturday, August 6th Monterey County will open a local assistance center at Carmel Mission Inn (3665 Rio Road, Carmel).   It will be open from 9:00am to 3:00pm.  The following agencies will be available to help people affected by the Soberanes Fire.

·         Monterey County Assessor’s Office – property tax relief

·         County Clerk - for record replacement

·         Department of Social Services – community benefits

·         Resource Management Agency – permit assistance, debris removal

·         State Department of Insurance – resolving insurance issues

·         State Contractors Licensing Board – information on hiring contractors

·         DMV- replacing Driver’s License, ID

·         Employment Development Department – unemployment services

·         Franchise Tax board – tax relief

·         Board of Equalization – business records

·         Monterey County Health Department – inspections, hazardous waste removal, counseling

·         Recovers – find goods and services offered by locals

·         American Red Cross – recovery assistance

·         SPCA of Monterey County – shelter for displaced pets, pet food supplies.

·         Food Bank for Monterey County - food

On Sunday, August 7th a Soberanes Fire Relief Benefit will be held at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  The event will feature local chefs and wine.  Admission is free for locals.  100% of the proceeds from food and drink tickets will go to the Soberanes Fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County.  The event takes place from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

MONDAY UPDATE 1 (DAY 11):

All Saints' Day School in Carmel Valley is now the Red Cross Evacuation Center for the Soberanes Fire.  The school is located at 8060 Carmel Valley Road.  The Soberanes Fire has grown to 40,618 acres and is 18% contained.

SUNDAY UPDATE 4 (DAY 10):

The Soberanes Fire continued to grow Sunday.  It's now 40,000 acres and 18% contained.  The Monterey County Sheriff's Office issued new evacuation orders and warnings.  See below.  

SUNDAY UPDATE 3 (DAY 10):

The Monterey County Sheriff's Office has issued an immediate evacuation ORDER for all residences along Cachagua Road at Nason Road extending to the intersection of Cachagua Road at Tassajara Road.  All residences on Tassajara road at the intersection of east Carmel Valley Road and Tassajara road extending approximately 17 miles to the end of Tassajara Road at the Tassajara Hot Springs Zen Center.  This includes all roads that led from the above described roads.  This area includes Nason Road.

Residents in these areas should leave immediately.

There's also a new evacuation warning.  People living in the following areas should be ready to leave.  All residents South of E. Carmel Valley Rd. starting at the intersection of E. Carmel Valley Rd. at San Clemente Dr. extending to the southeast to the intersection of E. Carmel Valley Rd. at Country Rd. The area also extends from the intersection of E. Carmel Valley Rd. at Cachagua Rd. extending south to the intersection of Cachagua Rd. at Nason Rd. This area includes all roads that lead from the above described roads. This area does not include San Clemente Dr.North of San Clemente Trail/Dormody Road, including Black Mountain Trail, Touche Pass, the community of San Clemente and all of Long Ridge Trail – Black Mountain is the boundary, White Rock and Old Coast Road (south from Bixby Creek to Little Sur River)

SUNDAY UPDATE 2 (DAY 10):

New evacuation warnings are in effect for portions of Cachagua and Tassajara.  Residents in  the following areas should be ready to leave should an evacuation order be issued.

All residents south of the intersection of East Carmel Valley Road at San Clemente Drive and extending to the intersection of East Carmel Valley Road at Tassajara Road.

All residences along Tassajara Road from the intersection of Tassajara Road at East Carmel Valley Road and extending approximately 17 miles to the end of Tassajara road at the Tassajara Hot Springs Zen Center.

This includes all raods that lead from the above described roads.  This does not include residences on San Clemente Drive.

SUNDAY UPDATE 1 (DAY 10):

2000 structures remain threatened as firefighters try to get the upper hand on the Soberanes Fire.  As of Sunday morning, the fire hand grown to 38,007 acres and is 15% contained.  Since the fire started on July 22nd, it has destroyed 57 homes and killed a bull dozer operator.

SATURDAY UPDATE 2 (DAY 9):

A community meeting on the Soberanes Fire will be held at 6:00pm Saturday at Carmel High School (3600 Ocean Avenue at Highway 1, Carmel-by-the-Seas).  The meeting is a chance to speak directly with CalFire, the U.S. Forest Service and the Monterey County Sheriff's Office.  The fire is shifting toward the south and east.  

SATURDAY UPDATE 1 (DAY 9):

The Soberanes Fire continued to grow overnight. It's now 33,668 acres and 15% contained.  One bull dozer driver was killed earlier in the week. The fire has destroyed 57 homes and 11 outbuildings.   The cause remains under investigation.

5053 fire personnel have come from around the state to fight the fire. CalFire estimates containment by August 31st.

FRIDAY UPDATE 2 (DAY 8):

The number of homes destroyed in the Soberanes Fire has grown to 57.  Eleven outbuildings have burned down.  The fire is now 32,930 acres and 15% contained.  

California State Parks in the area of the fire will remain closed through the weekend.  State Parks officials will reassess on Monday.   Parks included in the closure are:

  • Garrapata State Park 

  • Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

  • Andrew Molera State Park 

  • Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

  • Pt. Sur Lighthouse State Historic Park

  • Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

  • Pine Ridge Trail to Sykes Hot Springs

  • Mount Manuel Trail

 FRIDAY UPDATE 1 (DAY 8):

The Monterey County Sheriff's Office has lifted some evacuation orders including Riley Ranch Road and Red Wolf Drive, Corona Road and All of Carmel Highlands.   Evacuation orders in these areas are no longer in effect.

The Soberanes Fire has burned 31,386 acres and is 15% contained.  One bulldozer operator has died in the fire fight.  His name was Robert Oliver Reagan.  An investigation into his death is underway.  4277 fire personnel are working the Soberanes Fire.

THURSDAY UPDATE 2 (DAY 7):

CalFire has identified the bulldozer operator killed on Tueaday night as Robert Oliver Reagan III.  He was 35-years-old and from Friant, California.

The number of homes destroyed in the Soberanes Fire has grown to 41 after continued damage assessment on Thursday.  The fire is now 29,877 acres and 15% contained.  2000 structures remain threatened.

Cal OES has secured a FEMA grant for the fire, which will allow local, state and tribal agencies recover some costs related to fighting the fire.

The SPCA for Monterey County is having an adoption event to try to make room for the pets of Soberanes Fire evacuees.  The SPCA currently has 94 pets available and between Friday and Sunday, adopters can name their fee on adoption.

THURSDAY UPDATE 1 (DAY 7):

The Soberanes Fire has grown to 27,326 acres and is 10% contained.  CalFire is still targeting August 31st for containment of the fire.

WEDNESDAY UPDATE 2 (DAY 6):

Following a damage assessment on Wednesday, the number of homes destroyed in the Soberanes Fire has gone up to 34, along with 10 outbuildings.  Four other structures have been damaged and 2000 remain threatened.  The fire has grown to 23,688 acres, and it's still just 10% contained.  The emergency shelter at Carmel Middle School will close on Friday at 8:00am.

WEDNESDAY UPDATE 1 (DAY 6):

A bulldozer operator died overnight while battling the Soberanes Fire.  The operator was a contract heavy equipment worker who had experience working with CalFire. 

The Soberanes Fire has grown to 23,568 acres and is 10% contained.   Today a damage assessment team is out determining how many structures have burned.  So far the official number is 20 homes and 2 outbuildings destroyed.  2000 structures are threatened.   CalFire now estimates full containment by August 31st. 

TUESDAY UPDATE 3 (DAY 5):

As of Tuesday evening, the Soberanes Fire has grown to 23,500 acres and is 10% contained. On Tuesday the Monterey County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team along with fire personnel had to rescue a group of hikers who found themselves lost near the fire. There were no injuries.

All State Parks in the Big Sur Sector are closed, and all trails and roads within the Los Padres National Forest Monterey Ranger District are closed.   Find more details here.

TUESDAY UPDATE 2 (DAY 5):

Tuesday afternoon evacuation orders expanded to include a portion of the Santa Lucia Preserve.  The evacuation order is for Ranch San Carlos between Canter Run and Garzas Trail.

At a news conference on Tuesday, CalFire officials said they hoped to have the fire contained by the end of the month, though the wind and weather could change that.

TUESDAY UPDATE 1 (DAY 5):

The Soberanes Fire has grown to 19,311 acres and is 10% contained. The number of homes destroyed is holding at 20.   1650 structures remain threatened.  According to CalFire, fire activity above the marine layer is very active, and access to the fire continues to be a challenge.

 
MONDAY UPDATE 2 (DAY 4):

As of Monday evening, the number of fire personnel fighting the Soberanes Fire has more than doubled since the weekend to 2285.  The fire is now more than 16,000 acres and 10% contained.  Twenty homes have been destroyed and 300 people evacuated.

California State Parks has closed some parks and trails in the Big Sur sector due to heavy soot, ash and poor air quality.  Parks closed until further notice include:

Andrew Molera State Park

Point Sur Lighthouse

Pine Ridge Trail and the trailhead parking lot at Big Sur Station

Mt. Manuel Trail

MONDAY UPDATE 1 (DAY 4):

As of Monday morning, the Soberanes Fire has burned 14,897 acres and is 5% contained. The fires has destroyed 20 homes and 2 outbuildings.

SUNDAY UPDATE 4:

As of Sunday evening the Soberanes Fire has grown to 11,000 acres and is 5% contained. Six homes have been destroyed along with two outbuildings. 

SUNDAY UPDATE 3:   

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has expanded the mandatory evacuation order as the Soberanes Fire continues to spread.  The following areas are now under a mandatory evacuation order: Rocky Creek and Old Coast Road, Bixby Creek Road from Highway 1 south to Middle Road.  All residents are required to evacuate immediately.

SUNDAY UPDATE 2: 

Firefighters continue to battle the Soberanes Fire.  Because of the fire’s potential to continue to spread, the Monterey County Sheriff’s office has now issued a pre-evacuation advisory for the areas of Rancho San Carlos, White Rock and San Rancho Clemente.  These are east of Carmel Highlands.  All other evacuation orders and advisories remain in effect.  

All residents are asked to be prepared to leave the area immediately if a Voluntary or Mandatory Evacuation Order is issued.

   

SUNDAY UPDATE 1:  

SundayMorningUpdate.mp3
Sunday morning update

As of Sunday morning the Soberanes Fire has grown to 10,262 acres and is still 5% contained.    All evacuation orders and advisories remain in place.

CalFire Fire Captain Lucas Spelman says the number one driving factor of this fire is the drought.  

"Over the years we've just had a constant die off of the brush and the continuation of the tree mortality, and so those are fuels just like you would use in a camp fire or something like that," says Spelman.

SATURDAY UPDATE

 
 

Krista joined KAZU in 2007. She is an award winning journalist with more than a decade of broadcast experience. Her stories have won regional Edward R. Murrow Awards and honors from the Northern California Radio and Television News Directors Association. Prior to working at KAZU, Krista reported in Sacramento for Capital Public Radio and at television stations in Iowa. Like KAZU listeners, Krista appreciates the in-depth, long form stories that are unique to public radio. She's pleased to continue that tradition in the Monterey Bay Area.
Doug joined KAZU in 2004 as Development Director overseeing fundraising and grants. He was promoted to General Manager in 2009 and is currently retired and working part time in membership fundraising and news reporting at KAZU.
Contact: dmusic@kazu.org
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