12/20/13: Pfeiffer Fire Los Padres National Forest December 20, 2013 8:00 AM UPDATE

   
Pfeiffer Fire
Los Padres National Forest December 20, 2013 8:00  AM UPDATE      

 
Fire Information Phone:  (831) 667-0951

Incident:  Pfeiffer Fire, started on December 16, 2013 
Location:   Pfeiffer Ridge Area, Big Sur, CA
Agency Jurisdiction:  USDA Forest Service.
Cooperating Agencies:  Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade, CalFire, Monterey County Sheriff, OES, CHP,                                         Red Cross, Cal Trans  
Current Size:   917 Acres  Cause:  Under Investigation 
Containment:  93%   Est. Containment: 12-20-2013                                        
Current Resources: Crews: 27  Engines: 52  Dozers: 2  Helicopters-5    Air tankers: As Needed         
Total Personnel: 999
Last Night’s Activities:  The fire had very little activity and was in a “monitoring” status.   
 
Tonight:  Crews continue to make progress mopping up and strengthening lines in all divisions.  A transition to a patrol status on the west flank, Sycamore Canyon, and containment lines on the east along Highway 1 while continuing to improve and widen lines up to 300 ft., mop up and hold containment lines where needed.  Crews will be on the watch out for possible spotting on the top northeast edge of the fire and from rolling debris that could ignite unburned fuel below..  More smoke may be visible today as unburned areas within the fire’s perimeter continue to burn.  Plans for rehabilitation are being implemented in coordination with local forest resource advisors. The reduction in acres is a result of more detailed mapping utilizing GIS and infrared imaging by aircraft.
 
Demobilization of excess crews and equipment has started as indicated in the reduction of number of personnel listed above.   
 
Weather: High pressure will build today over the Pfeiffer Fire and continue through the weekend bringing a warming trend. Afternoon highs will be in the 60’s with relative humidity near 30%.
 
 Evacuations: Evacuations of residences in Pfeiffer Ridge Community from Sycamore Road on the south to Clear Ridge on the north, to Highway 1 on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west continue.
 
An Evacuation Watch issued by Monterey County Sheriffs for the area west of Highway 1 from Fernwood Resort to River Inn is still in effect. 
 

Community Meeting:    Friday at 4:00 pm. at the Big Sur Station, Highway 1, Big Sur, CA

Road Closures: Sycamore Road, Pfeiffer Ridge Road, and the road from River Inn to intersection with Pfeiffer Ridge Road.  HIGHWAY 1 remains OPEN with delays.   Situational Awareness while driving is encouraged due to increase. BE SAFE! 
Closures:   Andrew Molera State Park is closed.
Evacuee Assistance:   Big Sur Community Hotline:  831-667-2679, hours9:30am-7:30pm, open through the weekend.

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12/20/13: Another Way to Donate

https://www.cfmco.org/index.cfm/id/526/Big%20Sur%20Fire%20Fund%20-%20Give%20Now/

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12/19/13: Pfeiffer Fire Los Padres National Forest December 19, 2013 * UPDATE

Pfeiffer Fire
Los Padres National Forest December 19, 2013 8:00AM* UPDATE

Fire Information Phone: (831) 667-0951

Incident: Pfeiffer Fire, started on December 16, 2013
Location: Pfeiffer Ridge Area, Big Sur, CA
Agency Jurisdiction: USDA Forest Service.
Cooperating Agencies: Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade, CalFire, Monterey County Sheriff, OES, CHP, Red Cross, Cal Trans
Current Size: 937 Acres Cause: Under Investigation
Containment: 88% Est. Containment: 12-20-2013
Current Resources: Crews: 27 Engines: 52 Dozers: 2 Helicopters-7 Air tankers: As Needed
Total Personnel: 1,018
Today’s Activities: The predicted wind event passed over this morning returning to a more seasonal weather pattern. A helicopter using infrared technology flew over the fire providing images of hot spots within the fire’s perimeter and near the fire’s edge. These images are valuable in identifying locations that need mopping up. Crews made good progress mopping up and strengthening lines in areas of the fire.

Damage assessment teams went out today to verify addresses and fire damage, as well as damage to infrastructure such as power, sewer and water.

Tonight: Firefighters will continue to improve containment lines up to 300 ft. wide. Spotting is still possible as well as burning debris from above the fireline rolling downhill igniting unburned fuel below and snags.

Weather: High pressure will build Friday through the weekend bringing a warming trend.

Evacuations: Evacuations of residences in Pfeiffer Ridge Community from Sycamore Road on the south to Clear Ridge on the north, to Highway 1 on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west continue.

An Evacuation Watch was issued by Monterey County Sheriffs for the area west of Highway 1 from Fernwood Resort to River Inn is still in effect.

Community Meeting: Scheduled for Thursday afternoon at 4:00 pm. at the Big Sur Station,
Highway 1, Big Sur, CA

Road Closures: Sycamore Road, Pfeiffer Ridge Road, and the road from River Inn to intersection with Pfeiffer Ridge Road. HIGHWAY 1 remains OPEN with delays. Between 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Highway 1 will be one lane, while crews are working along the highway. Situational Awareness while driving is encouraged due to increase. BE SAFE!
Closures: Andrew Molera State Park is closed.
Evacuee Assistance: Big Sur Community Hotline: 831-667-2679, hours 9:30am-7:30pm, open through the weekend.

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* It states 8:00AM at the top of the page but this is the evening report and the document is titled “12-19-13_1800Update” so I believe that is supposed to be 8:00 PM. Skr

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12/19/13: Clear Ridge, Middle Ridge and Front Hill may return home tomorrow, Friday December 20th at 10:00AM

FROM CPOA

GOOD NEWS

Residents who live on Clear Ridge, Middle Ridge and Front Hill may return home tomorrow, Friday December 20th at 10:00AM. Access, in and out, will only be allowed via Brewers Bridge at Highway 1 just north of the River Inn.

Please be advised that all access points to Sycamore Canyon Road and Pfeiffer Ridge Road will remain closed until critical infrastructure is complete. This means that access from Pius Ridge, Highway 1, Front Hill Road and Clear Ridge Road on to Sycamore Canyon Road will remain closed to all traffic except fire and utilities until PG&E has completed flying in and installing new transmission lines. This also means that the gate at the top of Pfeiffer Ridge (Tucker/Emile Norman) and Clear Ridge as well as the gate connecting Front Hill and Lower Pfeiffer Ridge will be locked and closed to all traffic except fire and Utilities. Law enforcement will be stationed at and enforcing these road closures. This phase is currently scheduled to last into late Sunday afternoon.

Concurrently to the work on Sycamore Canyon Road by PG&E, utility crews will be installing new poles (12) and installing new copper wire along Pfeiffer Ridge Road. This work will entail keeping Pfeiffer Ridge Road closed to all traffic except fire and utilities. This work is estimated to be complete Wednesday the 25, Christmas Day.

The schedule above presupposes that utility crews are able to work 24 hours around the clock. The utility crews will not stop any work to accommodate any traffic other than for fire and law enforcement.

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12/19/13: Pfeiffer Fire Los Padres National Forest December 19, 2013 10:00AM UPDATE

Pfeiffer Fire
Los Padres National Forest December 19, 2013 10:00AM UPDATE      

 
Fire Information Phone:  (831) 667-0951

Incident:  Pfeiffer Fire, started on December 16, 2013 
Location:   Pfeiffer Ridge Area, Big Sur, CA
Agency Jurisdiction:  USDA Forest Service.
Cooperating Agencies:  Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade, CalFire, Monterey County Sheriff, OES, CHP,                                         Red Cross, Cal Trans  
Current Size:   917 Acres    Cause:  Under Investigation 
Containment:  79%    Est. Containment: 12-20-2013                                        
Current Resources: Crews: 31  Engines: 67   Dozers: 2    Helicopters-7    Air tankers: As Needed         
Total Personnel: 1,007 
Last Night’s Activities:  Crews made good progress mopping up and strengthening lines in all divisions. Structure defense preparation continues as well.  The expected strong winds accompanying the cold front moved over the fire about 10:00 pm.  The stronger winds created a greater risk to firefighters from falling trees, so crews were pulled off the lines to safety points and the fire was in a monitoring status for the remainder of the shift.  Scattered rain occurred over the fire area.
 
Current Situation:   Today’s resources continue to improve, mop up and hold lines in all divisions and provide structure protection where needed.  Also, efforts will be made to complete containment line on the north end of the fire’s perimeter to tie in remaining open fire line.   
 
Damage assessment teams are going out today to verify addresses and fire damage, as well as damage to infrastructure such as power, sewer and water.
 
The demobilization process started yesterday for excess firefighting resources.  
 
Weather: High pressure will build Friday through the weekend bringing a warming trend with temperatures in the 60’s and much drier relative humidity, near 20%-30%.
 
Evacuations: Evacuations of residences in Pfeiffer Ridge Community from Sycamore Road on the south to Clear Ridge on the north, to Highway 1 on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west continue.
 
An Evacuation Watch was issued by Monterey County Sheriffs for the area west of Highway 1 from Fernwood Resort to River Inn is still in effect. 

Community Meeting:    Scheduled for Thursday afternoon at 4:00 pm. at the Big Sur Station, 
Highway 1, Big Sur, CA

Road Closures: Sycamore Road, Pfeiffer Ridge Road, and the road from River Inn to intersection with Pfeiffer Ridge Road.  HIGHWAY 1 remains OPENwith delays. Between 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Highway 1 will be one lane, while crews are working along the highway. Situational Awareness while driving is encouraged due to increase.  BE SAFE! 

Closures:   Andrew Molera State Park is closed.

Evacuee Assistance: The Information Center established at Fernwood Resort by the Red Cross closed Wednesday.  People needing assistance from the Red Cross should call 831-320-9989 or Big Sur Community Hotline:  831-667-2679, hours 9:30am-7:30pm, open through the weekend.

 

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12/19/13: Pfeiffer Fire Los Padres National Forest December 18, 2013 8:00 PM UPDATE

Pfeiffer Fire
Los Padres National Forest December 18, 2013 8:00 PM UPDATE

Fire Information Phone: (831) 667-0951

Incident: Pfeiffer Fire, started on December 16, 2013
Location: Pfeiffer Ridge Area, Big Sur, CA
Agency Jurisdiction: USDA Forest Service.
Cooperating Agencies: Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade, CalFire, Monterey County Sheriff, OES, CHP, Red Cross, Cal Trans
Current Size: 843 Acres
Cause: Under Investigation
Containment: 74%
Est. Containment: 12-20-2013
Current Resources: Crews: 25 Engines: 67 Helicopters-9 Air tankers: 5 are Available Dozers: 2
Total Personnel: 1,007
Today’s Activities: Crews made excellent progress in containing the fire perimeter in all division by taking advantage of the higher humidity’s and calm winds. Today’s work by the firefighters accounted for the increase in containment.

Current Situation: Tonight firefighters are bracing for winds accompanying the anticipated dry, cold front due to pass over the area about midnight. The front will bring with it strong winds and light rain and/or sprinkles but not enough to wet the fuels.

Evacuations: Evacuations of residences in Pfeiffer Ridge Community from Sycamore Road on the south to Clear Ridge on the north, to Highway 1 on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west continue.

An Evacuation Watch was issued this afternoon by Monterey County Sheriff the area west of Highway 1 from Fernwood Resort to River Inn. An Evacuation Watch is issued as a warning to people within the affected area that a threat of life and property exists. People issued this type of warning are NOT required to evacuate.

Community Meeting: Scheduled for Thursday afternoon at 4:00 pm. at the Big Sur Station, Highway 1, Big Sur, CA

Road Closures: Sycamore Road, Pfeiffer Ridge Road, and the road from River Inn to intersection with Pfeiffer Ridge Road. HIGHWAY 1 remains OPEN! There will be intermittent traffic control along Highway. The fire is creeping its way along the highway causing hazards due to the combination of public traffic and fire crews working along the roadside. The intermittent traffic control is for firefighter and public safety. Situational Awareness while driving is encouraged due to increase. BE SAFE!
Closures: Molera State Park is closed.

Additional Information For:
Evacuee Assistance: The Information Center established at Fernwood Resort by the Red Cross closed today at 5:00 pm. People needing assistance from the Red Cross should call 831-320-9989.
Big Sur Community Hotline: 831-667-2679, hours 9:30am-7:30pm. Open through the weekend
Air Quality: For information on Air Quality go to http://www.mbuapch.org .

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12/18/13: From Chief Goetz- Burn Permits Suspended

Due to the current fire in Big Sur and predicted dry conditions through the first of the year the Mid Coast Fire Brigade effective immediately and until further notice is suspending all burn permits and backyard burning will not be allowed. What this means is that even if it is a permissive burn day you will not be allowed to burn. We will continue to assess the situation weekly and will notify you when the suspension is lifted. If you receive multiple email I apologize but we are trying to reach everyone.

We all wait for December 1 every year to burn the piles we created after burn season to reduce fuels and better our chances during a wildfire. After 30+ years as a firefighter the fire behavior we witnessed on the Pfieffer Fire could best be described as fire conditions during the driest part of the summer. We witnessed flame lengths in excess of 100 feet and fire burning at such an extreme rates for what we would consider normal for this time of year. This fire could have happened here with the same devastating results, so to err on the side of safety for all our residents we make this decision.

The devastation from the fire is heartbreaking for the families that lost everything and always especially hard this time of year while we celebrate the Holidays. We have heard from so many of our residents that would like to help. An email went out today asking that you donate to the Coast Property Owners Association who will distribute all the funds received to the families affected by the fire http://www.cposbigsur.org. I know that some of you may not be financially solvent enough to donate cash but would like to help. I have placed a few phone calls and hope to have word tomorrow on a contact name and phone number as fund raisers are organized. It broke our hearts while fighting this fire thinking how close it is to Christmas, the Christmas presents, Christmas trees, homes and vehicles destroyed as people escaped with as much as they could. Our thoughts and prayers are with them through this difficult time.

My apologies to you all for not getting back to you sooner but I am just home from the fire and our engine is still assigned to the fire. I will respond within the next few days to your emails and maybe a community meeting to discuss these concerns will be arranged after the first of the year.

—
Cheryl Goetz
Fire Chief
Mid Coast Fire Brigade
831-625-8175

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12/18/13: HIGHWAY 1 TEMPORARY TRAFFIC SIGNAL AND GUARDRAIL INSTALLATION NEAR LUCIA TO BEGIN MONDAY

Today’s Date: Wednesday, December 18, 2013
District: 05 – Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz Counties                                                  
Contact: Susana Z Cruz (bilingual) or Colin Jones
Phone: (805) 549-3138 or 549-3189
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

***Update #1***

 

HIGHWAY 1 TEMPORARY TRAFFIC SIGNAL AND GUARDRAIL INSTALLATION NEAR LUCIA TO BEGIN MONDAY

MONTEREY COUNTY – The installation of a temporary traffic signal and guardrail on Highway 1, just north of Big Creek Bridge (post mile 28) near Lucia, is tentatively set to begin on Monday, December 23, Caltrans officials have announced.
 
Major instability in the southbound (ocean-side) lane requires its closure until permanent repairs can be made.
 
Roadwork for the traffic signal and guardrail consists of one-way flagging control from 7 am until 4 pm Monday through Thursday and from 7 am until 2 pm on Fridays. Motorists can expect delays not to exceed 10 minutes. This work could take up to three weeks to complete.
 
Once the temporary guardrail and traffic signal are installed, the roadway will have signalized reversing one-way traffic control 24 hours per day. Motorists can expect a delay not to exceed 10 minutes. Hwy. 1 and local businesses will remain open during this roadwork. 
 
The signal will remain in place until a short viaduct or other structure can be constructed.
 
The contractor for this traffic control/signal installation is John Madonna Construction of San Luis Obispo. A contractor for the permanent repair will be chosen early next year.
 

Caltrans reminds motorists to move over and slow down when driving through highway construction zones.

For more information on this project and for traffic updates on other Caltrans projects in Monterey County, residents can call the District 5 toll free number at 1-877-448-6771 or can visit our website at: http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist05/paffairs/release.htm#mon

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12/18/13: Update on community meeting, aide for those who have lost their homes, and CPOA

Hello Big Sur!

1) COMMUNITY MEETING AT THE MULTI-AGENCY FACILITY TODAY at 4:00 PM.

2) RED CROSS
The Red Cross has informed me that they are offering “first month’s” rent if you have lost your residence. I put first month in quotes because they say the check generally come 10 days after you’ve signed your agreement and it is issued directly to the landlord, so in reality, it may more realistically cover your 2nd months rent. 
In addition with getting you started with rent in a new place if you don’t have insurance, they have more resources to help you.

You can sign up today at Fernwood Resort until 5:00 PM. 
Contact Liz Ford at Fernwood. 

Red Cross is having difficulty identifying community needs. If you know of a community need, please come to Fernwood and express that. Red Cross is here to help. 95% of the calls they are receiving is community members trying to help out, which isn’t too surprising.

Red Cross will have two mobile counseling and stress support services teams. 

Red Cross will also be at the Community Meeting today at 4:00 to quickly explain their offerings.

If you can’t make it today you can call the Carmel Red Cross office at 831.320.9989

3) Coast Properties Owner’s Association
CPOA is accepting donations of which 100% will be distributed to residents in need. I understand that you can earmark a donation to a particular family or individual.
http://bigsurfire2013.org/

Keep working together! We’re doing good!
Stan Russell

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12/18/13: Fire Update from the Big Sur Chamber of Commerce

Pfeiffer Fire
Los Padres National Forest December 18, 2013 10:00 PM UPDATE      

 
Fire Information Phone:  (831) 667-0951

Incident:  Pfeiffer Fire, started on December 16, 2013 
Location:   Pfeiffer Ridge Area, Big Sur, CA
Agency Jurisdiction:  USDA Forest Service.
Cooperating Agencies:  Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade, CalFire, Monterey County Sheriff, OES, CHP,                                         Red Cross, Cal Trans  
Current Size:   769 Acres*       Cause:  Under Investigation 
*(Increase in acreage is a result of updated mapping)
Containment:  20%     Est. Containment: 12-20-2013 at 6:00 pm                                      
 Current Resources:          Crews: 29         Engines: 51         Helicopters-9    Air tankers: 5 are Available                                                      Dozers: 2
Total Personnel: 879  
Last Night’s Activities:  The fire was most active along the southern perimeter of the fire bordered by Sycamore Road and the fire continued to creep slowly on the eastern flank along Highway 1.
Current Situation: Today’s crews will take advantage of more favorable weather ahead of predicted low front for tonight, to complete and connect containment lines on the southwestern, southern and the eastern flanks of the fire’s perimeter.
 
The weather front that is expected to move over the fire late tonight will bring with it a shift in winds, from the southwest to the northwest, increasing and gusting up to 25 mph.
 
   A preliminary assessment was able to confirm that 24 structures were saved and 22 residences were destroyed by the fire.  
 
  Evacuations: Evacuations of residences in Pfeiffer Ridge Community from Sycamore Road on the south to Clear Ridge on the north, to Highway 1 on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west continue.
 
An Evacuation Watch was issued this afternoon by Monterey County Sheriff the area west of Highway 1 from Fernwood Resort to River Inn.  An Evacuation Watch is issued as a warning to people within the affected area that a threat of life and property exists. People issued this type of warning are NOT required to evacuate.
 

Community Meeting:    Scheduled for Wednesday afternoon at 4:00 pm. at the Big Sur Station, Highway 1, Big Sur, CA

Road Closures: Sycamore Road, Pfeiffer Ridge Road, and the road from River Inn to intersection with Pfeiffer Ridge Road.  HIGHWAY 1 remains OPEN!Situational Awareness while driving is encouraged due to increase in emergency vehicles accessing the fire area.  BE SAFE! 
Closures:   Molera State Park is closed.
Additional Information For:
Evacuee Assistance: Red Cross has established an Information Center (831-320-9989 ) for evacuees at Fernwood Resort, 47200 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 
Big Sur Community Hotline: 831-667-2679, hours 9:30am-7:30pm. Open through the weekend         
Air Quality: For information on Air Quality go to www.mbuapch.org<http://www.mbuapch.org> . 

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Big Sur Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 87
Big Sur, CA 93920
(831) 667-2100
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org
http://www.Twitter.com/BigSurCC
http://www.TheBigSurBlog.com – Contains updates on emergency information when appropriate.

Highway 1 Big Sur now has a toll free hotline to Check Road Conditions courtesy of CalTrans 888-836-0866

To subscribe to this email list send an email to bigsur-subscribe@bigsurcalifornia.org

To unsubscribe from this email list send and email to bigsur-unsubscribe@bigsurcalifornia.org

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