Just got new maps from John Chesnut, shows the fire’s progression to the south. Well established in Hare Canyon.
And here is the north end. Looking pretty good.
6 pm — PIO confirmed this evening that the hard closure will be somewhere between PV Station and PV Center. He wasn’t quite sure about the exact location. Residents on Alms Ridge have been notified, signed waivers, and identified next of kin. So far, only one family has come out this way.
Fire and Evacuation Zone. The fire location is from early am, I believe? I think John said they fly over about 3 am and 3 pm, and then it takes 4-5 hours to publish the info. So too early to be this afternoon’s flight
Monday, August 31, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMONTEREY COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT ISSUES MANDATORY EVACUATION ORDER Due to fire behavior and wind shift, a mandatory evacuation order has been placed for the following area: South of Nacimiento-Fergusson Road, West of South Coast Ridge to Prewitt Ridge including Alms Ridge. Stay Safe, Stay Vigilant.
For Immediate Release
August 31, 2020
New Dolan Fire Evacuation Order
Big Sur, Calif. – Due to the continued spread of the Dolan Fire to the southeast, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office in cooperation with Dolan Fire incident management team and Monterey County OES has declared an Evacuation Order effective immediately for the following area:
South of Nacimiento Fergussen Road; west of South Coast Ridge to Prewitt Ridge, including Alms Ridge
An Evacuation Order signals an immediate threat to life and safety. This is a lawful order to leave now. The area is lawfully closed to public access. Aninteractive map of the area can be found on the Monterey County OES website
As a result of this extension the road closure for Highway one will be relocated to the area of Sand Dollar Day Use area.
All other Dolan Evacuation Orders remain in place.
Forest Order Number 05-07-51-20-19 remains in effect.
Firefighting resources previously assigned to the north end of the fire are being shifted to the southern end as the operations in the McWay Ridge area are secured. The Dolan Fire is burning two miles northwest of Nacimiento Fergusson Road.
A!ert Monterey County: To receive emergency notifications regarding evacuations and critical events in Monterey County please sign up for A!ert Monterey County at the following website: https://member.everbridge.net/453003085611217/login.
Be prepared for emergencies; the Ready, Set, Go! program informs residents about preparing for disaster.
I did manage to get a couple early morning shots before the smoke completely blocks any view. Can’t wait to see last night’s satellite maps from John. With all the smoke, I won’t venture a guess as to where this is until I see the maps. In the first photo, one can see 3 areas of fire. The second shot gives a vague idea about flame height of the lower two spots of fire. That is Cone Peak in the background and Twin Peak is to the left, or west. Maps and morning briefing will be added when received.
Scroll down to John Chesnut’s maps to see where these flames are. Please scroll past that to see my plea to the community.
Please check back throughout the day for updates, or refresh your browser window if you are keeping it open.
DOLAN PUBLIC FIRE INFORMATION SOURCES: Public Information Phone: (831) 272-0222
Incident Information: Start / Report Date: Aug. 18, 2020 Cause: Unknown Fuels Involved: Chaparral, Brush, Timber understory Size: 29,550 Containment: 25% Location: Hwy 1(MM32.20) N of Limekiln State Park, 10 miles S of Big Sur Injuries: 0
Resources: Hand Crews: 14 Engines: 65 Dozers: 8 Helicopters: 11 Water Tenders: 25 Total Personnel: 933
Current Situation: A mandatory evacuation order went into effect this afternoon south of Nacimiento-Fergusson Road, west of South Coast Ridge to Prewitt Ridge including Alms Ridge due to increased fire behavior and winds. Highway 1 remains closed with expanded hard closure south to Pacific Valley Station. Rolling rocks are a continued safety concern throughout the Highway 1 closure.
The fire has progressed south and east towards San Antonio Creek drainage. Today the marine layer remained in place decreasing fire activity below 1500 feet with fire activity predicted to increase overnight at higher elevations.
Crews continued work along the north section of the fire, reinforcing containment lines along the McWay drainage. The line has been completed and unburned vegetation has been fired out. Firefighters have also completed clearing of vegetation and other fuels around infrastructure in the Partington area. The completion of this work will free resources up to be shifted to the southern portion of the fire which is now the highest priority.
The east side continues to burn further into the Ventana Wilderness. As the northern and southern perimeters are secured, the firefighting effort will shift to address the fire’s movement into the Ventana Wilderness. The work on Nacimiento Fergusson Road and the forest trail and road system is the beginning of this effort with more clearing completed today. If successful, these actions will help to check the southeasterly spread of the fire.
Today three years ago, Los Padres National Forest Battalion Chief Gary Helming tragically lost his life while returning home from a fire assignment. Gary was killed when a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction blew a tire and swerved head-on into his vehicle. We can honor battalion chief Helming’s life by being extra cautious when traveling on roadways and ask the public to do the same. This is a reminder that driving safety is critical at all times.
Start / Report Date: Aug. 18, 2020 Size: 29,434 Containment: 25% Cause: Unknown Location: Hwy 1(MM32.20) N of Limekiln State Park, 10 miles S of Big Sur Injuries: 0 Fuels Involved: Chaparral, Brush, Timber understory
Resources:
Hand Crews: 16
Engines: 77
Dozers: 9
Helicopters: 10
Water Tenders: 25
Total Personnel: 1,025
Current Situation:
Last night’s marine layer helped decrease fire activity. Crews conducted a tactical firing option along the north section, to reinforce the containment line along the McWay drainage. Firefighters cleared vegetation and other fuels around infrastructure in the Partington area.
Fire activity is increasing along the southeast section. Firefighters are working on containment lines around the Twin Peak area, including along the Nacimiento Fergusson Road which will potentially be used to stop the spread of the fire as it burns south. Residence in the area may see or smell an increase in smoke as fire activity increases. Fire crews are constructing lines on the southeast corner of the fire to protect local communities and other values at risk.
The east side continues to burn further into the Ventana Wilderness. As the north and south perimeters are secured, the firefighting effort will shift to address the fire’s movement into the Ventana Wilderness. The work on Nacimiento Fergusson Road and the forest trail and road system is the beginning of this effort.
Today three years ago, Los Padres National Forest Battalion Chief Gary Helming tragically lost his life while returning home from a fire assignment. Gary was killed when a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction blew a tire and swerved head-on into his vehicle. We can honor battalion chief Helming’s life by being extra cautious when traveling on roadways and ask the public to do the same. This is a reminder that driving safety is critical at all times.
Highway 1 remains closed. Firefighters and cooperating agencies are working diligently to open the road as soon as is safely possible. Rolling rocks are a continued safety concern throughout the highway closure. The public’s support is appreciated.
The fire poses a risk to multiple businesses, parks, recreational sites, and communication infrastructure as well as the communities of Hermitage and Lucia in the south, and Partington Ridge in the north. Among natural resources threatened are the Ventana Wilderness, coastal watershed, and habitat for threatened and endangered species, including the California condor.
Later this week California Interagency Incident Command Team 2 will transition command of the Dolan Fire to Pacific Northwest Team 2 (PNW2). PNW2 will shadow CIIMT2 on Wednesday and assume command of the incident Thursday morning.
What I am going to say will be controversial, but I will say it anyway and lose some friends/followers. I never thought I would hear so much whining and complaining about the road being closed, and how inconvenient it is, from hearty Big Sur folks. Don’t you want to make it as easy as we can for these men and women who are risking their lives for US and our homes & businesses in unforgiving terrain? Big Sur people are going to be unforgiving as well? Let them do what they need to do to keep it safe for these heroic people. We’ve worked it out before, and there are options for resupplying thankfully. Contact CERT if you need help. Put on your big girl/boy pants and buckle in for as long as it takes. Like Lu reminds us in the comments below. We made it through the Basin Fire and the Soberanes Fire, and many, many others. We will make it through this one.
Also, a reminder from USFS, the number one killer of wildland firefighters is vehicle accidents. Today is the 3rd anniversary of Santa Lucia Ranger District Battalion Chief Gary Helming death.
Incident Information:Start / Report Date: Aug. 18, 2020 Size: 27,936 Containment: 25%Cause: UnknownLocation: Hwy 1(MM32.20) N of Limekiln State Park, 10 miles S of Big SurFuels Involved: Chaparral, Brush, Timber understoryInjuries: 0
Current Situation:Today, a smoke inversion on top of the typical marine layer combined to reduce fire behavior throughout the fire area. Crews made progress on the north edge of the fire along McWay Ridge and are cautiously optimistic that they will be able to hold the fire to that ridge. Work is still required in the area to manage the fire activity and the unburned vegetation that remains at risk of igniting and escaping the established perimeter. Once this area is secured resources will be moved to the southeast, the next tactical priority. The fire on the east side continued its spread further into the Ventana Wilderness. The fire is actively burning on Twin Peaks Ridge, above Limekiln State Park and at the base of Cone Peak. Preparation work began today along Nacimiento Fergusson Road as firefighters prepare for the eventual southern spread of the fire. Work on the containment line which parallels the fire’s southern perimeter, protecting the Hermitage and the community of Lucia has been completed and plans are being created for suppression repair work. Much of the fire along the southwester perimeter has been contained. Crews will be patrolling the contained line to assure that any hotspots will be located and extinguished. Highway 1 has a section that is still burning on the east side of the highway in very steep terrain. Crews are monitoring the area to prevent the fire from spreading to the west side of the road, but given the rugged terrain, they are unable to get close to the burn. Large debris continues to roll onto, and across, the freeway. Patrols are watching for hazardous rolling material and removing it from the road. The fire poses a risk to multiple businesses, parks, recreational sites, and communication infrastructure as well as the communities of Hermitage and Lucia in the south, and Partington Ridge in the north. Among natural resources threatened are the Ventana Wilderness, coastal watershed, and habitat for threatened and endangered species, including the California condor. Dolan FireCalifornia Interagency Incident Management Team 2Public Information Phone:831-272-0222Media Information Phone: 831-272-0221Incident E-mail:2020.Dolan@firenet.govIncident Website: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7018
Start / Report Date: Aug. 18, 2020 Size: 25,587 Containment: 25% Cause: Unknown Location: Hwy 1(MM32.20) N of Limekiln State Park, 10 miles S of Big Sur Injuries: 0
Last night firefighters continued to work in the steep terrain along McWay Ridge to establish fireline. Patches and lines of unburnt vegetation remain, and crews are keeping a close eye on fire activity. Crews are making good progress and are cautiously optimistic, but the containment lines will be tested by hot and dry weather that is forecasted to come in this afternoon and over the next few days. Air operations will be used when visibility allows, typically in the afternoons.
Good progress was made on the containment line around Hermitage last overnight. Firefighters continue to assess the fire behavior and plan for the southeast line in the Twin Peak and Cone Peak area. Crews will work along Nacimiento-Fergusson Road to prepare the road as a potential fireline.
Crews made progress along Highway 1 overnight and will continue work to fully contain the perimeter along the highway. The road remains closed because of the risk of the fire spreading to the west side and falling debris. The fire could ignite on the west side due to rolling materials or if the fire travels down underpasses and drainages. The east perimeter progressed today, traveling further into the Ventana Wilderness.
The fire poses a risk to multiple businesses, parks, recreational sites, and communication infrastructure as well as the communities of Hermitage and Lucia in the south, and Partington Ridge in the north. Among natural resources threatened are the Ventana Wilderness, coastal watershed, and habitat for threatened and endangered species, including the California condor.
Fire activity in the western United States has caused a high demand for fire personnel and equipment. The nation is at the highest level, Preparedness Level 5 (PL5). In PL5 over 80% of the nation’s incident management teams and wildland firefighting personnel are committed to incidents. Currently, there are 73 large uncontained fires nationwide. Fires have burned over 3.9 million acres with over 1.2 million acres burned in California alone. Resource orders are being prioritized to fires across the west. Acreage reported here is an estimate and will be updated when IR images are available.
And here we are almost two weeks in to this fire. Just a reminder that the current ICM team 2 will be cycling out on Day 14 of their duty (not of fire). They will be doing the transition to the new team in in the next few days. There are several teams who are available, but they didn’t know which is going to be assigned as of yesterday.
***OPS SAYS NO FIRE ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF CONE PEAK*** They have a crew up there today installing communications.
If it ever clears today, I will be able to tell.
As we complete the second week of this fire, it appears the fire has crested Cone Peak. I can’t say for sure due to smokey conditions. Ops says no it hasn’t. I’ve been wrong before…and while I try not to make mistakes like this, I still do occasionally.
John Chesnut’s heat maps are below. John reminds us that : Heavy smoke inversion might spread the satellite detectable heat, and “smear” the location, I stripped off the “Satellite detections can overestimate perimeter” but should probably add it back in. Also note it looks like the Hermitage may be surrounded, but remember, these may be firing operations undertaken to protect those hallowed grounds. Nacimiento-Fergusson Road won’t be opening any time soon.
On the other hand, the north end of Dolan is looking pretty good.
Don’t forget that CERT is helping with a supply run for those who remained behind in the evacuation area.
Protocol for Resupply of Evacuated Areas in Big Sur
Due to the Dolan Fire, approximately 65 residences were evacuated from their homes including the areas Esalen, Partington Ridge Rd, Dolan Ridge Rd, Big Creek Preserve, Morning Glory Ranch, Lucia, and New Camaldoli Hermitage. Despite the mandatory evacuation order being issued by the Sheriff’s Office, several residents have elected to stay in their homes. These areas have been evacuated for over 1 week and it may become necessary to resupply these residents with essential goods such as food, water, medications, etc. In order to accommodate this resupply, the following protocol will be followed:
· The Sheriff’s Office will request the activation of Big Sur CERT through the Monterey County OES.
· CERT members will coordinate with the affected residents to determine what essentialitems are needed. CERT will then coordinate having the supplies delivered to the northern hard road closure on Hwy. 1.
· Big Sur Fire Brigade will then meet with CERT and pick up the essential items at the northern road closure at the designated times. Big Sur Fire Brigade will transport the essential items to the predetermined drop points within the Evacuation Area.
· If other supplies such as fuel, propane, water, etc. are needed, CERT will coordinate directly with the Sheriff’s Incident Commander for such deliveries. These deliveries may be denied based on the direction of the Dolan Incident Command.
· Other services such as mail delivery, package delivery, garbage service, etc. are not being allowed through the road closures at this time.(Some residents are reporting sporadic mail delivery, so make sure and check your boxes.)
· Grocery items may be ordered online or by phone at 393-2090 at the Del Rey Oaks Safeway, when you place your order you will pay for it. Please state that your pick-up time will be at noon. You will need to send your grocery confirmation order number no later than 10:00 AM to:
I know going north for anyone in the Dolan Fire closed area or those of us who are south, this information may not be useful as it is taking place in Monterey, but some of you on Partington may already be in town and it will be accessible to you.
Those impacted by the Dolan Fire still have an ‘evacuation center’ for any services they need embedded into the Local Assistance Center being set up by the county for next week. With the fire still going, they might need services other than what the Center provides so we carved out a space for them. If they need aid, it is there for them. OES did a message out to folks in the fire area about it, but thought it might be good if you knew too and could share if appropriate.
Dear Community Member,This email is to help provide you with information on the latest updates for the wildfires on the central coast of California and ways to obtain any federal recovery assistance. My Wildfire Recovery Guide is available online as a comprehensives step by step guide detailing what to do after this wildfire disaster and how to obtain federal assistance.On Sunday, August 30, 2020, my staff will be at the Monterey County Office of Emergency Service’s (MCOES) Local Assistance Center at the Monterey Conference Center providing help and information to constituents in need of assistance from the federal government. You can find more information about the Local Assistance Center on the MCOES website here.Information and assistance on wildfire recovery resources will also be provided at the Santa Cruz County Emergency Operations Center’s Recovery Resource Center at Kaiser Permanente Arena. You can find more information about the Recovery Resource Center here.Please know that I am here to help you obtain federal assistance and to deal with the federal government during these wildfires and thereafter. Latest UpdatesMy office is closely tracking the five fires in or near our home in the 20th Congressional District that include the CZU Lightning Complex Fire, River Fire , Carmel Fire, Dolan Fire, and SCU Lightning Complex Fire.
For residents in Santa Cruz County who may be impacted by the CZU Complex Fire, I encourage you to be aware of the available information and resources, including evacuation centers and shelters, from the County of Santa Cruz website and Office of Emergency Services website. You can also sign-up to receive email notifications with updates on the fire and other hazards here and follow the CALFIRE San Mateo – Santa Cruz Unit on Twitter.
For residents in Monterey County who may be impacted by the River, Carmel, or Dolan fires, I encourage uoi to be aware of the available resources and information, including evacuation centers and shelters, from the Monterey County Office of Emergency Service website. You can also sign-up to receive email notifications with updates on the fires and other hazards here and follow the CALFIRE Public Affairs Bureau of Monterey County on Twitter. For updates on the status of the Dolan Fire, follow the Los Padres National Forest on Twitter and Facebook.
For residents in Santa Clara and San Benito Counties who may be impacted by the SCU Lightning Complex Fire, I encourage you to monitor information posted on the City of Gilroy’s website. You can also sign-up to receive notifications with updates on the fire and other hazards in San Benito County here and the City of Gilroy here and follow the CALFIRE Public Affairs Bureau of Santa Clara County on Twitter. Congressman Jimmy Panetta at a CALFIRE incident command center.Federal Response to the WildfiresFEMA Disaster Declaration:The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) granted a federal Major Disaster Declaration for Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. Our counties were included in this declaration, only after intensive congressional pressure on the Trump Administration and extensive assistance by the California Governor’s Office. That type of FEMA declaration releases federal funds to be used to help individuals and communities affected by wildfires in those two counties.
FMAG:FEMA also awarded Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAG) grants to the Central Coast. Those FMAGs were granted only after a congressional request was made at the onset of the fires. FMAGs will assist local and state agencies responding to the River Fire, Carmel Fire, CZU Lightning Complex Fire, and SCU Lightning Complex Fire and reimburse up to 75% of their eligible fire suppression costs.
CalFresh Waivers:The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved a temporary waiver that will allow CalFresh participants in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties to purchase hot foods with their benefits through September 23, 2020. A congressional request was made and granted by the USDA for these waivers that will ensure that those who evacuated, lost their homes, or are fighting on the frontlines of these fires have access to the nutritious food they need during this challenging time.Congressman Jimmy Panetta at an evacuaton center.
Federal AssistanceRecovery assistance from FEMA may be available to help individuals rebuild, repair and replace housing and other personal property not covered by insurance.Individuals who were impacted by the fires should apply for FEMA assistance in the following ways:Online at http://www.disasterassistance.gov/,http://www.disasterassistance.gov/es (Spanish) Via smartphone at fema.govConstituents may call the registration phone number at 1-800-621-3362; those who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.Small Business Administration (SBA) loans also may be available to individuals and businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property, inventory, and supplies, or to cover working capital costs. Homeowners and renters may also be eligible for SBA loans to repair or replace disaster-related damages to homes or personal property.After registering with FEMA, businesses and homeowners that would like to apply for SBA loans can do so online at: http://www.sba.gov/category/navigation-structure/loans-grants/small-business-loans/disaster-loans.Congressman Jimmy Panetta in a fire damage zone. Please call me at my offices if you have any questions about federal assistance, problems with a federal agency, or need additional assistance. I am here to make the federal government work for you.For frequent updates on my congressional work and service to you, please follow me on Twitter and Facebook.If you have any immediate questions or concerns that I can help you with, please feel free to call my Congressional offices in Salinas, Santa Cruz, or Washington, D.C. or contact me through my website. Please reach out to me at any time and let me know how I can continue to best serve you.Sincerely,
Jimmy Panetta United States Representative 20th Congressional District, California
This is an official correspondence from Congressman Jimmy Panetta. If you have any questions please contact my office. Please use the following links if you would like to make changes to your email settings – Subscribe | Unsubscribe. PRIVACY POLICY Your e-mail address will not be shared with anyone else or sold in any way.
Evening briefing. Let me add mine. Somewhere between 7:30 and 8 the was a major wind shift to coming out of the N-NE. It was pretty sudden and I was engulfed in smoke so bad my eyes are burning. USDS fire forecasters say 3-6 on ridge tops with gusts to 10.
Start / Report Date: Aug. 18, 2020 Size: 25,587 Containment: 25% Cause: Unknown Location: Hwy 1(MM32.20) N of Limekiln State Park, 10 miles S of Big Sur Injuries: 0
In the north, along McWay Ridge, firefighters made good headway connecting open lines from the top and the bottom in very steep terrain. Some patches and lines of unburnt vegetation remain and threaten the containment line. Crews will keep a close eye on fire activity and work on the area throughout the night. The east perimeter progressed today, traveling further into the Ventana Wilderness.
In the southeast, the fire began to move down Twin Peak Ridge. Crews are working to keep that area in check and are evaluating how to best contain that edge. Firefighters are working on a line southeast of Cone Peak to stop the fire as it advances. They continue to monitor the fire behavior around Twin and Cone Peaks and will attack direct if the opportunity presents itself. They have also scouted Nacimiento-Fergusson Road and will begin tomorrow to prepare the road as a potential fireline.
Crews will patrol Highway 1 overnight and work to contain the perimeter along the highway. The fire still threatens to burn towards the west side of the highway via drainages and underpasses. Rolling materials pose a risk to roll onto or over the highway to the west side and could spark flames.
Fire activity along the western edge will likely subside early in the early morning as the marine layer comes in. The east perimeter is expected to travel east overnight. The fire on the north side is predicted to become more active tonight and crews are working hard in the area to maintain the perimeter.
The fire poses a risk to multiple businesses, parks, recreational sites, and communication infrastructure as well as the communities of Hermitage and Lucia in the south, and Partington Ridge in the north. Among natural resources threatened are the Ventana Wilderness, coastal watershed, and habitat for threatened and endangered species, including the California condor.
Fire activity in the western United States has caused a high demand for fire personnel and equipment. The nation is at the highest level, Preparedness Level 5 (PL5). In PL5 over 80% of the nation’s incident management teams and wildland firefighting personnel are committed to incidents. Currently, there are 77 large uncontained fires nationwide. Fires have burned over 3.9 million acres with over 1.2 million acres burned in California alone. Resource orders are being prioritized to fires across the west. Acreage reported here is an estimate and will be updated when IR images are available.
And here we have John Chesnut’s super helpful heat map. Grown a lot in east and southern portions since the IR flight last night. This will really show you where I was shooting today.
This afternoon I watched a single spot double in size in an hour. It might be a firing operation to protect the Hermitage. I’ll get confirmation — one way or another — on that later tonight.The rest of the fire is well established on the south side of Stone Ridge and Twin Peaks. Can’t see Cone Peak through the smoke. Here is a map for orientation:
6:30 am — I got up an hour ago to go to the bathroom and this is what I saw. I decided to stay awake and watch Dolan and the rest of the coast wake up. Scroll down for more recent photos of the fire today.
Please check back throughout the day for update, or refresh your browser window if you are keeping it open.
DOLAN PUBLIC FIRE INFORMATION SOURCES: Public Information Phone: (831) 272-0222
Fuels Involved: Chaparral, Brush, Timber understory Size: 25,587 Location: Hwy 1(MM32.20) N of Limekiln State Park, 10 miles S of Big Sur Containment: 20% Injuries: 0
Resources:
Hand Crews: 16
Engines: 84
Dozers: 10 Helicopters: 8
Water Tenders: 31
Total Personnel: 1,019
Current Situation:
Crews have made good progress along the north, west, and south perimeters and the fire activity in those sections was relatively calm overnight. Good progress was made along McWay Ridge, including along the spot that had escaped the perimeter yesterday, and crews are cautiously optimistic that the line will hold.
The fire held around the Twin Peak area on the southeast edge. Firefighters continue to assess Cone Peak and will be analyzing the fire behavior to determine how they will attack the fire on that southeast edge. The east perimeter grew overnight and progressed over Lost Valley Creek.
Crews will patrol Highway 1 and work to contain more of the perimeter along the highway. The fire still threatens to burn towards the west side of the highway via drainages and underpasses. Rolling materials also pose a risk to roll onto or over the highway to the west side and could spark flames. Patrolling and working the fire along the highway remains a priority. The other priority is to protect the local communities in the north and south and crews will be actively working in those areas.
Fire activity will pick up around midmorning when the marine layer lifts. Smoke and fire impacts may be visible, especially in the afternoon. Expect the east perimeter of the fire to move east throughout the day.
The fire poses a risk to multiple businesses, parks, recreational sites, and communication infrastructure as well as the communities of Hermitage and Lucia in the south, and Partington Ridge in the north. Among natural resources threatened are the Ventana Wilderness, coastal watershed, and habitat for threatened and endangered species, including the California condor.
Fire activity in the western United States has caused a high demand for fire personnel and equipment. The nation is at the highest level, Preparedness Level 5 (PL5). In PL5 over 80% of the nation’s incident management teams and wildland firefighting personnel are committed to incidents. Currently, there are 77 large uncontained fires nationwide. Fires have burned over 3.9 million acres with over 1.2 million acres burned in California alone. Resource orders are being prioritized to fires across the west. Acreage reported here is an estimate and will be updated when IR images are available.
Here are some taken about 4 pm this afternoon. If you zoom in on the single column photo, you can see the flames at the bottom of the column and the USFS trucks to the right.
Photos taken between 9 and the last one is at 11:45 am
11:45 am
And as I wake up, so does the fire…
And now, time to put the coffee on and start my day. Lady needs me to throw her ball.
Apparently the fire is moving that direction and the decision to close it for firefighter and public safety was made sometime just before 4. This is a hard closure even to residents trying to get home. My understanding is it is being manned on both sides. Confirmed with resident and USFS.
Here is John Chesnut’s heat map for tonight, and it shows no hot spots near Nacimiento Road. It looks like they may be staging. They are using a military cop at the border with the base, and he is not letting anyone through. One guard told a local that they were staging and bringing up large vehicles tomorrow.
Helicopters: 8 Water Tenders: 31 Total Personnel: 1,019
Current Situation:
Today the fire was very active on the north side, picking up around 10 AM. Crews worked hard to maintain the northern fire perimeter along McWay Ridge despite the active fire behavior. There is a spot along this Ridge where the fire escaped the perimeter by a few meters and firefighters are working to clean up that area and pull the fire back.
In the southeast, firefighters are assessing how to best engage the fire around Cone Peak. If the fire behavior is low and slow, then crews can engage directly along the fireline and potentially cut it off before Cone Peak. If fire behavior is active and aggressive, then firefighters will pull back create a new line to the southeast of Cone Peak. (Dennis Burns in his evening update said that it had reached the top of Cone Peak, and John Chesnuts map on the next post about the hard closure confirms that.)
The east side of the fire progressed and continues to grow as crews prioritize the north and the south sides of the fire to protect local communities in the north and south. The west side of the fire along Highway 1 is the next highest priority. Long stretches of the fire east of the highway have been contained, but some sections are persisting to smolder, burn, and deploy rolling material over the highway. Crews will be patrolling Highway 1 overnight to prevent the fire from crossing via rolling material or by burning down drainages and underpasses.
Overnight the fire is expected to be active until early in the morning, slowing down before dawn, and then picking back up as the marine layer lifts around 10 AM.
There is a new road closure at Nacimiento-Fergusson Road, which is closed to all traffic (public and residential) from Highway 1 to the Fort Hunter Liggett base boundary line 16 miles inland. This closure includes the intersection with South Coast Ridge Road at Nacimiento-Fergusson Road summit. All other road closures remain in place.
The fire continues to pose a risk to multiple businesses, parks, recreational sites, and communication infrastructure as well as the communities of Hermitage and Lucia in the south, and Partington Ridge in the north. Among natural resources threatened are the Ventana Wilderness, coastal watershed, and habitat for threatened and endangered species, including the California condor.
Fire activity in the western United States has caused a high demand for fire personnel and equipment. The nation is at the highest level, Preparedness Level 5 (PL5). In PL5 over 80% of the nation’s incident management teams and wildland firefighting personnel are committed to incidents. Currently, there are 82 large uncontained fires nationwide. Fires have burned over 3.8 million acres with over 1.1 million acres burned in California alone. Resource orders are being prioritized to fires across the west. Acreage reported here is an estimate and will be updated when IR images are available.
10:20 am — just got off the phone with Michael Lindsbery. The just got 2 hot shot crews who will be starting line on that northwest section to keep fire in McWay and away from Partington. The IC expects it will take 2-3 days. Still looking for a place to put in the line for the south east corner.
The soft closure on the south by Ragged Point will be moved up to Willow Creek Road (Los Burros Rd on maps). Local residents, propane, and those with hotel reservations (Gorda?) will be allowed passage.
John Lindsey weather report for the next few days indicates: “moderate to fresh (13 to 24 mph) northwesterly winds develop this afternoon. Gentle to moderate (8 to 18 mph) northwesterly winds on Saturday into Monday will allow the marine layer to become more persistent along the coastline.”
Here we are at day 11 of this fire, but at least we are down to the one. Here is a look at it this am, before we get to the maps and the daily briefings, which will come in a bit later.
And here are John Chesnut’s excellent MODIS maps:
I like this new southern perspective, too. My POV.
Fuels Involved: Chaparral, Brush, Timber understory Size: 23,365* Location: Hwy 1(MM32.20) N of Limekiln State Park, 10 miles S of Big Sur Containment: 20% Injuries: 0
Resources:
Hand Crews: 14
Engines: 74
Dozers: 10
Helicopters: 8
Water Tenders: 25
Total Personnel: 902
*No IR flight was completed last night due to demands from other fires.
Overnight the fire was active in the north, but crews worked to keep the fire contained, prioritizing the protection of local communities and infrastructure. Firefighters patrolled Highway 1 and kept the fire from spreading to the west side of the road. In the south, near Hermitage, crews were able to get a direct line along the fire, attacking it aggressively.
Crews continue to prioritize the north and the south sides of the fire to protect the communities of Partington Ridge, Hermitage, and Lucia. The west side of the fire along Highway 1 is the next highest priority as smoldering and rolling material continue to threaten large sections of the highway.
Today, Hot Shot crews will be working from the top and bottom of McWay Ridge to secure the line to the north. The McWay Ridge is the primary control line for the northern area of the fire.
In the southeast, where fire southeasterly spread forced the abandonment of the planned line to Cone Peak, firefighters will be scouting the area for suitable trails or roads to re-engage. The point protection of structures in Hermitage will also be a focus.
Smoke will be visible, especially in the afternoon as the fog lifts. Fire activity will also increase as the marine layer lifts towards the afternoon. Road closures remain in place.
The fire continues to pose a risk to multiple businesses, parks, recreational sites, and communication infrastructure as well as the communities of Hermitage and Lucia in the south, and Partington Ridge in the north. Among natural resources threatened are the Ventana Wilderness, coastal watershed, and habitat for threatened and endangered species, including the California condor.
Fire activity in the western United States has caused a high demand for fire personnel and equipment. The nation is at the highest level, Preparedness Level 5 (PL5). In PL5 over 80% of the nation’s incident management teams and wildland firefighting personnel are committed to incidents. Currently, there are 82 large uncontained fires nationwide. Fires have burned over 2 million acres with over 1.1 million acres burned in California alone. Resource orders are being prioritized to fires across California and the west. Acreage reported here is an estimate and will be updated when IR images are available.
Thank you signs are the least that we can do to show our support for all the Firefighters, Law Enforcement, Support Personnel, and Volunteers who helped with the Carmel and River fires. Here are a few signs that are posted up around Carmel Valley Village. And, thank you for all that you do!
AUGUST 30, 2020 8:00 AMPublic Information Phone: 
Congressman Jimmy Panetta at a CALFIRE incident command center. Federal Response to the WildfiresFEMA Disaster Declaration:The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) granted a federal 
Congressman Jimmy Panetta at an evacuaton center.
Congressman Jimmy Panetta in a fire damage zone. Please call me at my 
