Fire crews set up base camp at Toro Park
Firefighters from throughout the state are using Monterey County’s Toro Park as base camp for eating, sleeping and planning their attack on the Soberanes Fire.
“This is where we get all the needs for the firefighters here in camp,” said Capt. Lucas Spelman of CalFire.
The fire started Friday morning and by Monday had consumed 14,897 acres. For fire crews, it’s been a tough fight.
“We’re just moving our way in. We just keep punching in hose, getting the hand crews in there and using our air craft in a combination, so we can put the fire out as quick as we can,” said Spelman.
The fire spread rapidly over the weekend, due to abundant fuel caused by years of drought. And the weather isn’t helping either.
“Most of the time it’s been fairly low humidity and dry at night, so we have no recovery,” said Spelman. “It’s burning just as good at night as it is during the day.”
Tight roads and limited access are also slowing down firefighting efforts.
Some residents near the hot spots have been evacuated while others have been told to prepare to leave.
“To know that our neighbors’ houses are gone — all the hard work we do — it’s just pretty hard,” said evacuee Michelle Hilton.
One resident, Jim Cox, told KION his 100-year-old home in Palo Colorado Canyon has burned down three times in the past and he doesn’t plan to leave.
“I’m sticking it out. We got some cattle on the ridge. We tried to move them yesterday. We got eight of them out and we got a little baby calf out there and we’re not going to stress it out,” Cox said. “I’m staying. I can save these structures with what we’ve done and I know I got these guys to cover my back.”
Some evacuees have moved in with family or friends. Others are staying at a Red Cross evacuation shelter at Carmel Middle School. Officials say the shelter will remain open as long as needed.
“We’re hoping this ends soon so people can get back home take care of the things they need to take care of and live their lives again,” said Red Cross spokesperson.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
