I know. I am done, so done with the fire, but it doesn’t want to be done with me. Last night’s plume visible from apparently just about everywhere came from a “green island” well inside the containment lines, and not a threat to any structures or similar resources. Of course, always a threat to the critters’s resources — homes and habitats. I am told this was between Nacimiento Campground and the little bridge. Hard to tell in the dark. (Photo by Geri Baird)

We are now 85% contained, all evacuation orders lifted, and all but one warning lifted, so it is time for me to put this series to bed, hoping that there will not be cause to post again re fires this season. We can expect highway problems this winter, probably several pockets of isolation for a time, so prepare accordingly.

This is a notification from Alert Monterey County:

Dolan Fire – Effective immediately-The Evacuation WARNINGS have been lifted for Zones: 26, 24, B2- Lucia South, J-Prewitt Ridge Area, K-South Coast Ridge Rd.  Zone 27 has been downgraded to WARNING.

As a reminder an “Evacuation WARNING” (i.e. sometimes used interchangeably with the term “Advisory”) means those in a specific area/zone should be prepared to evacuate at any time. You do not need to leave your home at this time but please be alert and prepared to leave if an evacuation order is called.

If you feel that your life is in danger, do not wait for an emergency notification.Click here for more information on this alert.

First, excellent news from CA IMT-15: Containment has increased from 46% to 71% in just six days. Congratulations, CA IMT-15. We appreciate all your hard work these last six days. The fact sheet below states containment is 62%, but at this morning’s briefing, they stated it was 71%.

The wind is changing and the temps are increasing and the humidity is decreasing. I am paying attention today, but also trying to take the day off from the Dolan Fire. It is Day 40 and I want to take it off. I need to take it off. So unless something happens I need to report on, this is what I am doing today.

Due to increased heat, winds, change in direction, and thus increased fire danger, the next 3 days will be critical toward holding existing containment, particularly in the south and the east of the fire, per yesterday’s morning briefing.

Phase 1 Wildfire Clean Up to Begin September 28th. Opt out time period for this service ends September 25th

Phase 1 clean-up of properties which suffered wildfire damage in Monterey County is expected to begin September 28th and take 4-6 weeks.

The government sponsored Debris Removal Program clean-up process is coordinated with State and Federal partners and is a free service to help home and property owners remove hazardous debris so that rebuilding can begin.

Phase 1 includes the removal of hazardous waste generated and remaining on the property by recent fires and is done by expert teams from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These teams have the equipment and training to remove waste such as car batteries, herbicides, pesticides, propane tanks, asbestos siding, paints and e-waste, and will safely dispose of what is collected. It is important to note that these teams are solely focused on debris removal. No assessment about the permit status or other code related issues of any site or remaining structures on a property is part of this work.

All property owners with damaged property will be provided this clean up service and are automatically enrolled in the program; no further action is required. Homeowners may choose to opt out of this free service and hire a private contractor for this work. Those wishing to do so, must make that decision by 5:00 p.m. Friday, September 25th. More information: https://www.co.monterey.ca.us/Home/Components/News/News/7666/1336