No time frame to reopen Toro Park after fires

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV)

Toro County Park, the base camp for Cal Fire during the River Fire and Carmel Fire, remains closed for public access (hiking, biking, equestrian) indefinitely with no reopening time frame, Monterey County Parks announced Wednesday.

The River Fire has burned inside the park, with the county writing that "parts of the park in some remote areas sustained wildfire damage."

While containment increased Wednesday to nearly 50 percent for both the River and Carmel fires, full containment isn't expected until September 6th.

"There is currently fire suppression repair work going on, dozers are currently being used for water bars and rolling dips and some of the dozer lines are on existing vehicle travel trails like Ollason," the county's statement reads.

A complete damage assessment would need to be completed, but not every part of the park is accessible yet.

"As soon as safe, park staff and CAL FIRE will mark those assessments. Parks staff will also be assessing the entire trail network and open space including erosion control for next winter."

The River Fire started near Toro Park on August 16 after a lightning strike. It has burned 48,424 acres, with the perimeter extending into the park.

On August 20, CAL FIRE had to relocate all non-essential personnel because flames were moving towards their Toro Park base camp.