New Soberanes Fire evacuation order and warnings issued overnight
UPDATE 9/20/16 5:22 PM: The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has ordered an evacuation for the east side of Tassajara Road from Chews Ridge to Bruce Ranch, east along Anastasia Canyon to Carmel Valley Road and south to Tash Ranch.
Evacuation warnings have also been announced for the areas north of Carmel Valley Road, from Hastings Preserve east to Cahoon Ranch and from Cahoon Ranch east to Tash Ranch at mile marker 33.6.
Things got more complicated for the Soberanes Fire Monday night, when flames from a controlled burn jumped the containment line and sparked a 150 acre spot fire. But fire crews know these operations are high risk, so they were prepared.
“But because of that, we had crews in place and we were able to get a jump on it right away,” said Joe Amador, Public Information Officer with the Soberanes Fire.
Controlled burns allow firefighters to burn up the fuel to build stronger containment lines. But these burns have been more active than the actual fire burning in the wilderness.
“A combination of both is causing a lot of the activity and a lot of the questions as to why is there so much smoke in the area, if the fire is getting away from us,” said Amador.
Despite the recent activity, according to fire crews, it’s not getting out of their control. But those living down near the flames in Cachagua are frustrated with the decision to do the burn.
“They didn’t need to do this and we really tried to tell them and now they got a problem,” said Jerry King. “Now we’re really worried.”
Plus, knowing exactly where the fire is burning can be tough because it’s constantly changing.
“Trying to get that information that we know that people want, but in an ever changing environment, with fire conditions, unpredictable weather conditions, it’s hard to stay on top of it,” said Amador.
According to fire crews, they’ll be holding off on any more burns until conditions are safer.
ORIGINAL STORY: The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has ordered an evacuation for the east side of Tassajara Road from Chews Ridge to Bruce Ranch, east along Anastasia Canyon to Carmel Valley Road and south to Tash Ranch.
Evacuation warnings have also been announced for the areas north of Carmel Valley Road, from Hastings Preserve east to Cahoon Ranch and from Cahoon Ranch east to Tash Ranch at mile marker 33.6.
