East Bay Firefighters Sent to Fight Soberanes Fire in Monterey County

The Soberanes Fire in Monterey County ignited Friday and quickly turned into a monster firestorm that has burned six homes, two outbuildings, nearly 15,000 acres and forced the evacuation of homes. Some 1,650 homes remain threatened. The forest fire also prompted a mutual aid response that sent dozens of firefighters from the East Bay to the fire lines — in conditions described by Calfire as “very challenging.”

East Bay fire departments announced on their social media channels on Saturday that an immediate response was requested. Sending personnel and equipment were Alameda County, Oakland, Fremont, Hayward, Albany, Piedmont and Moraga-Orinda. Other departments will be added to this list as their contribution is revealed.

The fire is burning in Garrapata State Park north of Big Sur. Highway 1 is closed to allow firefighters access to the blaze. It’s being fought from the air and on the ground. From the early 20th century until the present the area has been popular with notable artists, writers and other celebrities who’ve lived there or maintained second homes, including Clint Eastwood, Doris Day, Ansel Adams, Jack London and Beverly Cleary.

On Monday morning, Calfire announced that the following locations have been evacuated: Rocky Creek; Weston Ridge Road, which is sometimes called Garrapata Ridge Road; Palo Colorado Road; Highway 1 at Old Coast Road south to Old Coast Road at Bixby Creek Road; and Garrapatos Road.

The following areas have been placed on standby for evacuation: Carmel Highlands, South of Rancho South Carlos, White Rock, Old Coast Road south from Bixby Creek Road to Little Sur River.

The local strike teams have been deployed for one week, although they could return sooner if the fire is brought under control. Right now, the fire is just 5 percent contained. An evacuation center has been set up at Carmel Middle School in Carmel-By-the-Sea.

Also See: Solano County Firefighters Heading To Monterey Blaze

Photo Credit: Alameda County Fire Department