Retired Cachagua firefighter faces losing home for a second time in Carmel wildfire

CARMEL VALLEY, Calif. (KION)

Update 9:39 a.m. 8/19/20: Cal Fire now reporting the Carmel Fire has burned 742 acres.

Crews initially reported 1200 acres had burned but have since corrected this.

Cal Fire says the overestimate had to do with mapping issues when the update was initially posted.

3 structures have been destroyed as a result of the fire with 311 currently threatened by the fire which broke out late Tuesday afternoon.

ORIGINAL STORY:

As the Carmel Fire grew rapidly along the mountain in Carmel Valley, people in the Cachagua community fled. People along Tassajara Road.also evacuated.

One of the thousands of people being ordered to evacuate on Tuesday night, as a result of one of the three growing fires in Monterey County is retired firefighter Bob Eatton. For 25 years he worked with Cachagua Fire. Five years ago he lost his own home while he was on the fire line fighting the flames of a wildfire.

On Tuesday night he and his wife were preparing to evacuate. They packed things like their hard drives filled with photos and memories along with sentimental belongings. Their dog Ruby, remained right by their side as they contemplated when to eventually leave.

By around 10:30 p.m. Cal Fire had reported the Carmel Fire had grown to 1200 acres and was threatening 60 structures.

The SPCA was moving quickly to gather animals and shelter them. Volunteers were seen gathering horses from people who feared for their safety. Most were being taken to the Marina's Equestrian Center.

Some 50 dogs were sheltered.

No injuries have been reported.