CalFire issues Soberanes Fire briefing

UPDATE 7/25/16 1:42 PM: CalFire and the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office have added additional road closures as follows: Robinson Canyon Road, south of Penon Peak Trail and Old Coast Road from Bixby Creek, south to Andrew Molera State Park.

PREVIOUS POST: CalFire officials reported Monday the Soberanes Fire has destroyed 20 homes and burned 14,897 acres. The fire is 5 percent contained.

Mandatory evacuations are in place for Palo Colorado, Rocky Creek, Weston Ridge Road (also known as Garrapata Ridge Road), Highway 1 at Old Coast Road south to Old Coast Road at Bixby Creek Bridge, and Garrapatos Road. Evacuation warnings have been issued for Carmel Highlands, south of Rancho San Carlos, Old Coast Road, south from Bixby Creek Road to Little Sur River.

Low visibility due to the coastal marine layer has forced all air attack planes and helicopters to remain grounded. Prior to Monday’s grounding, seven helicopters and 6 air tankers were involved.

The fire began Friday July 22 in rugged terrain of Garrapata State Park, south of Carmel.

CalFire and the U.S. Forest Service are in unified command. The total number of 1,400 personnel are battling the blaze.