Pfeiffer Fire, Day 4 – Official Announcements

Pfeiffer Fire
Los Padres National Forest December 19, 2013 10:00AM UPDATE

Fire Information Phone: (831) 667-0951

Incident: Pfeiffer Fire, started on December 16, 2013
Location: Pfeiffer Ridge Area, Big Sur, CA
Agency Jurisdiction: USDA Forest Service.
Cooperating Agencies: Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade, CalFire, Monterey County Sheriff, OES, CHP, Red Cross, Cal Trans
Current Size: 917 Acres Cause: Under Investigation
Containment: 79% Est. Containment: 12-20-2013
Current Resources: Crews: 31 Engines: 67 Dozers: 2 Helicopters-7 Air tankers: As Needed
Total Personnel: 1,007
Last Night’s Activities: Crews made good progress mopping up and strengthening lines in all divisions. Structure defense preparation continues as well. The expected strong winds accompanying the cold front moved over the fire about 10:00 pm. The stronger winds created a greater risk to firefighters from falling trees, so crews were pulled off the lines to safety points and the fire was in a monitoring status for the remainder of the shift. Scattered rain occurred over the fire area.

Current Situation: Today’s resources continue to improve, mop up and hold lines in all divisions and provide structure protection where needed. Also, efforts will be made to complete containment line on the north end of the fire’s perimeter to tie in remaining open fire line.

Damage assessment teams are going out today to verify addresses and fire damage, as well as damage to infrastructure such as power, sewer and water.

The demobilization process started yesterday for excess firefighting resources.

Weather: High pressure will build Friday through the weekend bringing a warming trend with temperatures in the 60’s and much drier relative humidity, near 20%-30%.

Evacuations: Evacuations of residences in Pfeiffer Ridge Community from Sycamore Road on the south to Clear Ridge on the north, to Highway 1 on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west continue.

An Evacuation Watch was issued by Monterey County Sheriffs for the area west of Highway 1 from Fernwood Resort to River Inn is still in effect.

Community Meeting: Scheduled for Thursday afternoon at 4:00 pm. at the Big Sur Station,
Highway 1, Big Sur, CA

Road Closures: Sycamore Road, Pfeiffer Ridge Road, and the road from River Inn to intersection with Pfeiffer Ridge Road. HIGHWAY 1 remains OPEN with delays. Between 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Highway 1 will be one lane, while crews are working along the highway. Situational Awareness while driving is encouraged due to increase. BE SAFE!

Closures: Andrew Molera State Park is closed.

Evacuee Assistance: The Information Center established at Fernwood Resort by the Red Cross closed Wednesday. People needing assistance from the Red Cross should call 831-320-9989 or Big Sur Community Hotline: 831-667-2679, hours 9:30am-7:30pm, open through the weekend.