Soberanes Fire Latest: Identity Of Bulldozer Operator Who Died Is Released, Community Meeting Set

UPDATED 2:00 p.m. - MONTEREY COUNTY, CA -

Cal Fire officials have released the name of the 'call-as-needed' bulldozer operator who died Tuesday night while helping crews fight the Soberanes Fire north of Big Sur.

Cal Fire officials say 35-year-old Robert Oliver Reagan, a Friant, California resident, succumbed to fatal injures along the fire line. Reagan leaves behind two young children and a wife, according to a GoFundMe account fund that has been set up to help the family.

All funds received will go directly to his family to aid them as they grieve and memorialize his life, according to the fund information.

The GoFundMe account set up has already raised $22,500 as of 2:00 p.m. on Thursday. The goal was $16,000. You can donate here.

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UPDATED 1:45 p.m. - MONTEREY COUNTY, CA -

Cal Fire officials have announced a community meeting to be held Thursday night at 6 p.m. at Carmel Valley Middle School, 4380 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel-By-The-Sea.

Representatives from various agencies including Cal Fire, the US Forest Service, Monterey County and the Monterey County Sheriff's Office will be on hand to answer questions.

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UPDATED 8:15 a.m. - MONTEREY COUNTY, CA -

Cal Fire officials Thursday morning said the Soberanes Fire in Monterey County has now scarred 27,326 acres, and is still considered only ten percent contained.

44 structures have now been destroyed in the blaze burning north of Big Sur, and another 2,000 remain in the fire's path.

More than 3,500 regional firefighters are fighting the difficult fire in very remote terrain, using 329 engines, 14 helicopters, 6 air tankers and 60 bulldozers at last count.

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MONTEREY COUNTY, CA - A team of investigators has been brought in after a bulldozer operator died Tuesday night while battling the Soberanes Fire in Monterey County that has burned through more than 23,675 acres of land north of Big Sur, Cal Fire officials said.

The person, whose name hasn't been released, was operating the large tractor when it overturned sometime during the night. The individual worked on an on-call basis through a private contractor, Cal Fire Capt. Katherine Garver said.

Another privately owned bulldozer that rolled over Tuesday afternoon was later placed upright and the operator wasn't injured, according to Garver.

The wildfire has spread to 23,568 acres since it began shortly before 9 a.m. Friday in Garrapata State Park's Soberanes Creek and is threatening 2,000 structures. The blaze has destroyed 34 homes and 10 outbuildings, Cal Fire officials said.

Two structures and two outbuildings have also been damaged.

Crews are focusing on battling the southern area of the fire in the Palo Colorado community and Rancho San Carlos west of White Rock, according to Garver.

A group of three hikers near the fire were found without injury and safely taken out of the area with help from the Monterey County sheriff's search and rescue team and firefighters, according to Garver.

There were concerns that Wednesday's lower humidity, build-up in high pressure and low marine layer would impact fire activity and firefighters, Garver said.

Crews continue to face difficulties reaching the fire because of the mountainous terrain of the area as flames have spread uphill through brush and timber, according to Cal Fire.

Cal Fire and the U.S. Forest Service held a community meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Big Sur Lodge in collaboration with the state Office of Emergency Services, Monterey County and the county Sheriff's Office.

As of Wednesday evening, the blaze is 10 percent contained and investigators estimate full containment won't be reached until Aug. 31, Cal Fire officials said.

An inspection team has been sent to determine how much damage has been caused by the fire, but the work has been restricted because of downed power lines, falling trees and flames, Cal Fire officials said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Roughly 3,500 firefighters are working to extinguish the blaze with help from multiple resources including 329 engines, 14 helicopters and six air tankers, according to Cal Fire.

All National Forest System and California State Parks properties within the fire area have been closed. The sites include trails and roads in Los Padres National Forest, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, park officials said.

Palo Colorado Road remains closed at Highway 1, in addition to Robinson Canyon Road south of Penon Peak Trail and Weston Ridge Road at Highway 1, Cal Fire officials said.

About 300 people have been ordered to clear from areas including Old Coast Road, Rocky Creek Road and Palo Colorado. An evacuation center has been established at Carmel Middle School, Cal Fire officials said.

An evacuation warning has been sent to people in southern areas of Carmel Highlands, White Rock and Old Coast Road from Bixby Creek to Little Sur River, according to Cal Fire.

-Bay City News, images via Cal Fire