Eight hikers were led to safety after they were stranded at least five days near a raging fire in northern California. The massive fire is 10 percent contained.
PHOTOS: Most dramatic photos of the Soberanes Fire
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Jeff Drew
Soberanes Fire
CARMEL VALLEY, Calif. —The Monterey County Sheriff's Office issued a new mandatory evacuation order because of the Soberanes Fire Wednesday afternoon.
Residents in the following areas are ordered to evacuate immediately:
-- Robinson Canyon Road between San Clemente Trail and White Rock Gun Club.
-- The area south of San Clemente Trail between Robinson Canyon Road and the Rancho San Clemente Gate House.
-- Arroyo Sequoia Road
An evacuation warning was expanded for the community of San Clemente, Long Ridge Trail, Black Mountain Trail, and Touche Pass. READ: Soberanes Fire victim: 'It's all gone'
Fighting the Soberanes Fire turned into a deadly effort Tuesday when a bulldozer operator was killed, Cal Fire said.
The
victim was an independent private contractor who was trained to work on
fire lines alongside firefighters. He suffered fatal injuries when his
bulldozer rolled in a remote area on the southeast end of the
23,568-acre wildfire, Cal Fire said.
The victim's name was not released. PHOTOS: Most dramatic Soberanes Fire photos
"(Firefighting)
is an inherently dangerous job with great risk involved. Please keep
your heartfelt thoughts and prayers with the family of our fallen
cooperator and the firefighting community," Cal Fire incident commander
Todd Derum said.
Cal Fire said a firefighting truck was crushed by
a boulder that rolled down a charred hill. It was unclear if anyone was
injured by the boulder. A second bulldozer also flipped and its
operator was not injured.
Also on Tuesday, a group of eight men
were rescued by the Monterey County Sheriff's search and rescue team
after they were spotted by another bulldoze operator.
The men told fire investigators that they had gone hiking five days ago and became lost near the wildfire.
The search and rescue team used a helicopter to evacuate the men to a campground. They were dehydrated but otherwise uninjured.
The
Soberanes Fire ignited Friday morning. Flames spread over 23,568 acres
between Big Sur and the Carmel Highlands. Twenty homes were destroyed
and an estimated 2,000 homes are being threatened.
Acting
California Governor Tom Torlakson issued a state of emergency in
Monterey County. Torlakson is serving as acting governor while Gov.
Jerry Brown and Lt. Gov Gavin Newsom are attending the Democratic
National Convention in Philadelphia. READ: Mandatory evacuation orders issued for Palo Colorado, Rancho San Carlos, parts of Carmel Highlands
Containment remained at 10 percent as of 1 p.m. Wednesday.
The
Soberanes Fire's steep, rugged, mountainous location is making it a
challenge for firefighters to access. More than 3,000 personnel are
battling the blaze under a unified command by Cal Fire and the U.S.
Forest Service.
"Fire activity has increased throughout the entire
fire area with uphill runs in brush and timber. Short to medium range
spotting has been observed due to lower humidity and higher
temperatures. Access continues to be challenging," Cal Fire said
Wednesday.
Big Sur residents in the Palo Colorado neighborhood
evacuated Friday. Carmel Highlands residents living on Corona Road and
Riley Ranch Road east of Highway 1 were ordered to evacuate Monday. The
Rancho San Carlos community, between Canter Run and Garzas Trail in
Carmel Valley, was ordered to evacuate Tuesday. Mandatory evacuations:
Big
Sur residents in the Palo Colorado neighborhood evacuated Friday.
Carmel Highlands residents living on Corona Road and Riley Ranch Road
east of Highway 1 were ordered to evacuate Monday. The Rancho San Carlos
community, between Canter Run and Garzas Trail in Carmel Valley, was
ordered to evacuate Tuesday.
The Monterey County Sheriff's
Department also issued mandatory evacuations for Weston Ridge Road,
Garrapatos Road, and Highway 1 at Old Coast Road. Air Quality Check air quality near you Area closures
All
parks in and around the Big Sur -- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Julia
Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Andrew Molera State Park, Pt. Sur Lighthouse
Historic Park, Garrapata State Park, and Point Lobos Natural Reserve --
are closed.
Palo Colorado Road, Western Ridge Road, Old Coast
Road, and Lower Garrapata Road are closed. Toro Park closed to allow Cal
Fire to use the park as a base camp. Pre-evacuation warnings:
Carmel
Highlands, Rancho San Carlos, White Rock, and San Clemente are under
pre-evacuation warnings. Residents should be prepared to leave if
ordered. Shelter
The American Red Cross
established a temporary shelter at Carmel Middle School at 4380 Carmel
Valley Road. The SPCA for Monterey County is also there to help with
evacuated pets. Donate
The Community Foundation for Monterey County created a donation fund to assist the community impacted by the Soberanes Fire and help residents who lost their homes recover. Cause
The cause is under investigation.
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