Backpackers rescued from Soberanes fire zone

After spending four days outdoors near the Soberanes Fire, a group of backpackers were rescued Tuesday but Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies say their 900 plant marijuana grow wasn’t as lucky.

The group of eight started a backpacking trip on Saturday at Palo Colorado. Two became separated from the group on Sunday. They made it to safety on Monday.

The the remaining six backpackers called 911 Tuesday from Bottchers Gap. Before a search and rescue team arrived, they were found by volunteer firefighters and a bulldozer crew and flown by helicopter to a safe area near Bixby Bridge.

Deputies say two of the rescued backpackers were dehydrated and disoriented. They were treated at a nearby Boy Scout camp and taken to the hospital.

Sheriff’s Office says the entire pot growing operation burned in the fire and no one will be charged. Deputies do not believe the growing operation played a role in the cause of the fire.