Pfeiffer Fire, Day 5 – official announcements

Final report: 917 acres, 34 homes, 100% containment.

Pfeiffer Fire

Hi all –

Monterey County has put together an online page with recovery information for those in the Pfeiffer fire area. Information about re-entry, clean up, steps to take after a fire emergency and contact information for both Planning/Building and Environmental Health are there. Some good general information and links to winter storm preparations, resource guides and protecting yourself from scams as well.

Let me know if there is anything else that should be listed. As new information comes up, we will update.

http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/Pfeiffer-Fire/

Maia Carroll
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Los Padres National Forest December 20, 2013 8:00 AM 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: 93% Est. Containment: 12-20-2013
Current Resources: Crews: 27 Engines: 52 Dozers: 2 Helicopters-5 Air tankers: As Needed
Total Personnel: 999
Last Night’s Activities: The fire had very little activity and was in a “monitoring” status.

Tonight: Crews continue to make progress mopping up and strengthening lines in all divisions. A transition to a patrol status on the west flank, Sycamore Canyon, and containment lines on the east along Highway 1 while continuing to improve and widen lines up to 300 ft., mop up and hold containment lines where needed. Crews will be on the watch out for possible spotting on the top northeast edge of the fire and from rolling debris that could ignite unburned fuel below.. More smoke may be visible today as unburned areas within the fire’s perimeter continue to burn. Plans for rehabilitation are being implemented in coordination with local forest resource advisors. The reduction in acres is a result of more detailed mapping utilizing GIS and infrared imaging by aircraft.

Demobilization of excess crews and equipment has started as indicated in the reduction of number of personnel listed above.

Weather: High pressure will build today over the Pfeiffer Fire and continue through the weekend bringing a warming trend. Afternoon highs will be in the 60’s with relative humidity near 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 issued by Monterey County Sheriffs for the area west of Highway 1 from Fernwood Resort to River Inn is still in effect.

Community Meeting: Friday 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. Situational Awareness while driving is encouraged due to increase. BE SAFE!
Closures: Andrew Molera State Park is closed.
Evacuee Assistance: Big Sur Community Hotline: 831-667-2679, hours 9:30am-7:30pm, open through the weekend.
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From CPOA:

GOOD NEWS

Residents who live on Clear Ridge, Middle Ridge and Front Hill may return home tomorrow, Friday December 20th at 10:00AM. Access, in and out, will only be allowed via Brewers Bridge at Highway 1 just north of the River Inn.

Please be advised that all access points to Sycamore Canyon Road and Pfeiffer Ridge Road will remain closed until critical infrastructure is complete. This means that access from Pius Ridge, Highway 1, Front Hill Road and Clear Ridge Road on to Sycamore Canyon Road will remain closed to all traffic except fire and utilities until PG&E has completed flying in and installing new transmission lines. This also means that the gate at the top of Pfeiffer Ridge (Tucker/Emile Norman) and Clear Ridge as well as the gate connecting Front Hill and Lower Pfeiffer Ridge will be locked and closed to all traffic except fire and Utilities. Law enforcement will be stationed at and enforcing these road closures. This phase is currently scheduled to last into late Sunday afternoon.

Concurrently to the work on Sycamore Canyon Road by PG&E, utility crews will be installing new poles (12) and installing new copper wire along Pfeiffer Ridge Road. This work will entail keeping Pfeiffer Ridge Road closed to all traffic except fire and utilities. This work is estimated to be complete Wednesday the 25, Christmas Day.

The schedule above presupposes that utility crews are able to work 24 hours around the clock. The utility crews will not stop any work to accommodate any traffic other than for fire and law enforcement.