More Monterey Co. Residents Evacuated As Soberanes Fire Expands
MONTEREY (CBS SF) – Nearly 15,000 acres have burned in a fast-moving wildfire in Monterey County south of Carmel-by-the-Sea that sparked late last week and has destroyed nearly two dozen buildings, Cal Fire officials said.
The Soberanes Fire has spread to 14,897 acres and remains only 5 percent contained as of Monday morning, with full containment expected by Sunday, according to Cal Fire.
The blaze has destroyed 20 homes and two outbuildings since it broke out around 8:45 a.m. Friday at Soberanes Creek in Garrapata State Park north of Big Sur, Cal Fire officials said.
About 1,400 crew members battling the blaze have faced problems accessing certain areas where flames are burning. Recent high temperatures and low humidity levels have also impacted firefighting efforts, according to Cal Fire.
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There are 1,650 homes threatened by the fire, which has forced residents near Palo Colorado Road, Rocky Creek, Weston Ridge Road, state Highway 1 at Old Coast Road and Garrapatos Road to leave the area, Cal Fire officials said. A center has been set up at Carmel Middle School to assist evacuees.
An evacuation warning was issued for people at Carmel Highlands, Rancho San Carlos Road, White Rock Ridge and Old Coast Road from Bixby Creek Road to Little Sur River, according to Cal Fire.
On Monday afternoon, the Monterey County Sheriff's Department placed additional portions of Carmel Highlands under evacuation order, including both Corona Road and Riley Ranch Road east of Highway 1
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for Monterey County is caring for more than 20 pets evacuated from the fire and is seeking donations of cash, pet food and cat litter.
Other agencies responding to the fire include California State Parks, the California Highway Patrol, Monterey County Sheriff's Office, Monterey Peninsula Regional Parks District, American Red Cross and the state Office of Emergency Services.
The fire response has blocked Palo Colorado Road and Weston Ridge Road at Highway 1, Cal Fire officials said.
Toro Park has been closed since Saturday as Cal Fire is using the site as their base camp, county officials said.
Closures are also in place at Andrew Molera State Park. Point Sur Lighthouse, Pine Ridge Trail at Los Padres National Forest and Mt. Manuel Trail at Los Padres National Forest, state park officials said.
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