Effective immediately an UPGRADED evacuation ORDER is now in place for South Coast Ridge Road Zone K. Leave the area immediately. The evacuation ORDER area for Zone K is as follows:  

Area bounded by Hwy 1 at about Mile Marker 15, East to intersection of Prewitt Creek Ridge Road and South Coast Ridge Road, South along South Coast Ridge Road to intersection of Los Burros Road and South Coast Ridge Road, west along Los Burros Road to Hwy 1 near Mile Marker 11, to include Plasket Ridge Road, San Martin Top, and Alder Creek Road.The Evacuation ORDER for Zone J remains in effect. An "Evacuation ORDER" means those in a specific area/zone should leave immediately.If you feel that your life is in danger, do not wait for an emergency notification.Additionally: When an Evacuation Order is in place for a zone(s), this means the public, including residents, are not allowed to enter the zone(s). The closures will have Law Enforcement roadblocks on northern and southern closure of Highway 1 turning cars around that are not authorized to be in the closure. This also includes no "In and out" privileges for subjects who decided to stay at their properties despite the Evacuation Order. If you leave the closed area, you will not be allowed to re-enter.

 

Instructions:

Leave the area immediately

Address/Location
Monterey County Office of Emergency Services
1322 Natividad Rd
Salinas, CA 93906

Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 831-796-1908

Monterey County Office of Emergency Services released the following Evacuation WARNING this afternoon.  For more information on evacuations related to the #DolanFire, please check https://montereyco.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=905a9458324b4868804d96b5593eb978&fbclid=IwAR21RuPR-NZKlm-BHNRL_ZmvBFkFmnh42OWUy97ZZ0ZP1fcF4mnt0y6Cm5MEffective immediately for the #DolanFire an evacuation warning is in place for the ZONE 24. Access is permitted only for residents due to fire equipment and emergency personnel in the area. The evacuation warning area for ZONE 24 is as follows:Areas west of Reliz Canyon Road to the intersection of Arroyo Seco Road.  South of Arroyo Seco Road to the intersection of Santa Lucia Trail.  East of Santa Lucia Trail to the intersection of Bear Mtn. Trail (21S02).  North of Bear Mtn Trail (21S02) to the intersection of Reliz Canyon Road.  The mandatory evacuation orders for LUCIA-ZONE B and PREWITT RIDGE ZONE J-are still in effect. Additionally, Evacuation warnings for PARTINGTON RIDGE- ZONE C, DOLAN RIDGE-ZONE A and SOUTH COAST- ZONE K are also still in effect. As a reminder an "Evacuation WARNING" (i.e. sometimes used interchangeably with the term "Advisory") means those in a specific area/zone should be prepared to evacuate at any time. You do not need to leave your home at this time but please be alert and prepared to leave if an evacuation order is called.An "Evacuation ORDER" means those in a specific area/zone should leave immediately.If you feel that your life is in danger, do not wait for an emergency notification.Additionally: When an Evacuation Order is in place for a zone(s), this means the public, including residents, are not allowed to enter the zone(s). The closures will have Law Enforcement roadblocks turning cars around that are not authorized to be in the closure. This also includes no "In and out" privileges for subjects who decided to stay at their properties despite the Evacuation Order. If you leave the closed area, you will not be allowed to re-enter.

A Mandatory Evacuation Order was issued for Santa Lucia Memorial Park residents at 4:45pm today.  With the extreme heat and dry conditions the Dolan Fire continues to move east prompting this most recent Evacuation Order. This isolated area has limited road access and the order is being put in place to allow for the safety of the residents and to limit traffic in this area as firefighters move into place to protect structures and identify fire line.

For more information about evacuations in Monterey County, please visit this interactive map: 
 https://montereyco.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=905a9458324b4868804d96b5593eb978&fbclid=IwAR21RuPR-NZKlm-BHNRL_ZmvBFkFmnh42OWUy97ZZ0ZP1fcF4mnt0y6Cm5M

VALLEJO, Calif., September 7, 2020—Most of California remains under the threat of unprecedented and dangerous fire conditions with a combination of extreme heat, significant wind events, dry conditions, and firefighting resources that are stretched to the limit. Due to these conditions, the USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region is announcing the following temporary closures and fire restrictions to provide for public safety and reduce the potential for human caused fire starts. They will go into effect at 5:00 pm Pacific Standard Time on Monday, September 7, 2020, and will be re-evaluated daily as conditions change.

1. Closure of the following National Forests: Stanislaus National Forest, Sierra National Forest, Sequoia National Forest, Inyo National Forest, Los Padres National Forest, Angeles National Forest, San Bernardino National Forest, and Cleveland National Forest.
2. Prohibition of the use of any ignition source on all National Forest System lands (campfires, gas stoves, etc.) throughout California.
3. Closure of all developed campgrounds and day-use sites on National Forests in California.

“The wildfire situation throughout California is dangerous and must be taken seriously. Existing fires are displaying extreme fire behavior, new fire starts are likely, weather conditions are worsening, and we simply do not have enough resources to fully fight and contain every fire,” said Randy Moore, Regional Forester for the USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region. “We are bringing every resource to bear nationally and internationally to fight these fires, but until conditions improve, and we are confident that National Forest visitors can recreate safely, the priority is always to protect the public and our firefighters. With these extreme conditions, these temporary actions will help us do both.”

An example of extreme fire behavior is the Creek Fire on the Sierra National Forest which began on Friday Sep. 4th and grew rapidly on Saturday, Sep. 5th. The fire made a 15-mile run in a single day and burned 36,000 acres, prompting evacuations and life saving measures. The California National Guard evacuated at least 200 people from Wagner Mammoth Pool Campground and assessed them for medical needs.

The Forest Service thanks our partners and the public for their cooperation and understanding of this monumental fire threat. It is critical that all Californians and national forest visitors follow these important closures and restrictions for their own safety and the safety of our firefighters.

The Forest Service manages 18 National Forests in the Pacific Southwest Region, which encompasses over 20 million acres across California, and assists forest landowners in California, Hawaii and the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands. National forests supply 50 percent of the water in California and form the watershed of most major aqueducts and more than 2,400 reservoirs throughout the state. For more information, visit www.fs.usda.gov/R5.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

YESTERDAY’S ACTIVITIES: As expected fire activity increased on the eastern and southern edges with Cone Peak seeing the most aggressive spread. Record heat and dry conditions continued to play a major role in fire spread. Occasional uphill runs were observed at higher elevations throughout the evening. Structure and asset protection remain priority one for firefighters. Overnight firefighters monitored HWY 1 for any potential hotspots and rollouts with CalTrans support on cleanup of any fallen debris. Overnight lows were in the high 80’s to lower 90’s with poor relative humidity recovery.  

TODAY’S ACTIVITIES: Record breaking temperatures will continue throughout the day and into the evening increasing fire activity. Firefighters along with support from a dozer team continue line construction in the Arroyo Seco drainage and Avila Ranch area reinforcing structure protection. Crews continue improvement of containment lines along McWay Ridge and within the Lucia and Hermitage areas. Several teams are completing the primary containment line north of the Nacimiento-Ferguson Road and along the road to Cone Peak. This indirect line will serve as the primary containment line intended to keep the fire from spreading south toward nearby structures. If conditions allow a planned burnout operation will be used in the next few days to tie containment lines into the fire’s edge. Dozers, hand crews and masticators are also working on additional contingency lines farther south. Helicopters will be available to support ground crews but will be limited due to weather conditions. Structure protection all along HWY 1, in the Partington area north, and in the Lucia and Hermitage areas to the south continues.
Currently in the fire there are: 6 Type 1 Hotshot crews, 10 Type 2 hand crews, 49 engines, 6 dozers, 13 helicopters, 19 water tenders, 4 masticators and a variety of other equipment to support firefighting efforts.

EVACUATIONS: The Monterey County Sherriff’s office has an Evacuation Order in effect for Zone B (Lucia) and Zone J (Prewitt Ridge). Warning are in effect for Zone C (Partington) and Zones K-S (Coast Ridge Road). Yesterday, Zone A was downgraded to a warning. View the interactive map for Monterey County evacuations.

ROAD CLOSURE:  HWY 1 is closed from north of Vista Point south to Pacific Valley.  Visit https://roads.dot.ca.gov/

FOREST CLOSURE:  Forest Order Number 05-07-51-20-19 remains in effect on the Forest in the vicinity of the fire. 

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YESTERDAY’S ACTIVITIES: Lack of a marine layer increased fire behavior at lower elevations along HWY 1. This resulted in an increase in rock fallout along the highway. CalTrans is working to keep the highway clear.

Due to above average temperatures an increase in fire activity was seen in the southern and eastern sections of the fire. Crews continued to focus on improving the containment lines providing structure defense for the Limekiln Creek area. Air operations provided support for ground crews helping to slow fire progression.

Overnight firefighters patrolled HWY 1 scouting for potential hotspots and rolllouts. Overnight lows were in the upper 80s to lower 90s with poor relative humidity recovery. Fire activity was minimal throughout the night.

TODAY’S ACTIVITIES: Fighting the fire will not be the only hazard crews face today. Record breaking temperatures are predicted. Crews will challenged with a high ignition probability and heat exhaustion potential.

Firefighters will scout containment line options in the Arroyo Seco drainage and Avia Ranch area. Crews will strengthen containment lines along McWay Ridge and within the Lucia and Hermitage areas, and complete the primary lines north of the Nacimiento-Ferguson Road and along the road to Cone Peak.

If conditions allow, a planned burnout operation will be used in the next few days to tie containment line into the fire’s edge. Dozers, hand crews and masticators will work on additional contingency lines farther south. Helicopters will be available to support ground crews.

Structure protection along Highway 1 in the Partington area north and in the Lucia and Hermitage areas to the south will continue throughout the day.

EVACUATIONS: The Monterey County Sheriffs office has an Evacuation Order in effect for Zone B (Lucia) and Zone J (Prewitt Ridge). Warning are in effect for Zone C (Partington) and Zones K-S (Coast Ridge Road). Yesterday Zone A was downgraded to a warning. View the interactive map for Monterey County evacuations.

ROAD CLOSURE:  Highway 1 is closed from north of Vista Point south to Pacific Valley. Visit https://roads.dot.ca.gov/

FOREST CLOSURE:  Forest Order Number 05-07-51-20-20 remains in effect on the Forest in the vicinity of the fire.

WEATHER: Record breaking temperatures are predicted for today. Temperatures in the 90’s along the coast and 120 degrees inland are predicted. Lower relative humidities across the area are expected and winds are forecast to remain mild.

SAFETY: Fire personnel and equipment are staged and working in the Big Sur area. As Labor Day Weekend continues anticipate increased traffic in areas accessible by the public.

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DOLAN FIRE EMERGENCY AREA CLOSURE
LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST
MONTEREY RANGER DISTRICT

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 551 and 36 C.F.R. 261.50(a) and (b) and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited in the Monterey Ranger District within the Los Padres National Forest. This Order is effective from September 3, 2020, until the Dolan Fire is declared out.

1.  Going into or being upon National Forest System lands within the Dolan Fire Closure Area, as described in Exhibit A and shown on Exhibit B. 36 C.F.R. 261.52(e)
2.  Being on any National Forest System road within the Dolan Fire Closure Area, as described in Exhibit A and shown on Exhibit B. 36 C.F.R. 261.54(e)
3.  Being on any National Forest System trail within the Dolan Fire Closure Area, as shown on Exhibit B. 36 C.F.R. 261.55(a).

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

1.  Any Federal, State or Local Law Enforcement Officer or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
2.  Owners or lessees of private land within the Dolan Fire Closure Area, to the extent necessary to gain access to their land.
3.  Persons who reside within the Dolan Fire Closure Area, to the extent necessary to gain access to their residences.

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A.  

A violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization or imprisonment for not more than six months or both. 16 U.S.C. 551 and 18 U.S.C. 3559, 3571 and 3581.

Done at Goleta, California this 2nd day of September, 2020.

KEVIN B. ELLIOTT
Forest Supervisor
Los Padres National Forest

This Order supersedes Order 05-07-51-20-19, dated August 25, 2020. 

Video of today's community meeting is available on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=1379423328919386&ref=watch_permalink

Speakers included the Incident Commander, Operations Section Chief, Incident Meteorologist and Fire Behavior Analyst.

Smoke

The marine layer will not impact the forecast area for the next few days, allowing hotter and drier conditions to prevail. Smoke production may increase along the NE, E, and S sides of the fire. Areas in close proximity to the Dolan fire may see the worse impacts. With the weather change the SQF Complex grew yesterday, and is expected to be active today. Prevailing SSE winds may channel SQF complex smoke into the eastern portion of the forecast area. Although most of the smoke is aloft, some smoke may surface and bring USG conditions to the area.

Health

Many people may be travelling this Holiday Weekend. To xminimize smoke impacts while driving, keep vehicle windows
rolled up, and set the Air Conditioner or fan to the Recirculate setting.

Please see the attached pdf file for information about specific communities.

The fire is moving to the south and east within the Ventana Wilderness, growing by several hundred acres yesterday. Moderate fire activity continued in the Cone Peak area. Fire has progressed into the San Antonio Creek drainage and is flanking eastward along the Santa Lucia Range. Fire behavior is expected to increase with the loss of the marine layer, bringing higher temperatures and drier conditions across the fire area.

Hotshot crews continue to build line in the Ventana Wilderness and scout potential containment lines to the south of Lost Valley Trail. Fire fighters are improving containment lines along McWay Ridge and within the Lucia and Hermitage areas. Crews are completing the primary containment line north of the Naimiento-Ferguson Road and along the road to Cone Peak. This indirect line will serve as the primary containment line, intended to keep the fire from spreading south toward nearby structures. If conditions allow, a planned burnout operation will be used in the next few days to tie containment line into the fire's edge. Dozers, hand crews and masticators are also working on additional contingency lines farther south. Crews continue to patrol Highway 1 for rolling debris and increased fire behavior. Helicopters will be available to support ground crews throughout the day.

Structure protection all along Highway 1, in the Partington area north, and in the Lucia and Hermitage areas to the south continues. Currently in the fire there area: 6 Type 1 Hotshot crews, 6 Type 2 hand crews, 55 engines, 7 dozers, 12 helicopters, 17 water tenders, 4 masticators and a variety of other equipment to support firefighting efforts.

EVACUATION/CLOSURE ALERTS:
Evacuations/Closures: Here is an interactive map of Monterey County evacuations:  https://montereyco.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=905a9458324b4868804d96b5593eb978&fbclid=IwAR21RuPR-NZKlm-BHNRL_ZmvBFkFmnh42OWUy97ZZ0ZP1fcF4mnt0y6Cm5M

For information about state highway closures, go to https://roads.dot.ca.gov/

Evacuation Order for the area South of Nacimiento-Fergusson Road, west of South Coast Ridge to Prewitt Ridge including Alms Ridge.
Evacuation Warning for Partington Zone C (only residents allowed into the area.)
A new Evacuation Warning was issued by the Sheriff's Office yesterday afternoon for the South Coast Ridge Road Zone K.
Highway 1 is closed from north of Vista Point south to Pacific Valley.
Forest Order Number 05-07-51-20-20 is in effect, limiting access to areas of the Forest near the fire, https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd796183.pdf

WEATHER:  A high pressure system is bringing very high temperatures and drier conditions over the fire. Temperatures in the 90's along the coast and well into the 100's inland and much lower relative humidities across the area are expected through Monday. Winds are forecast to remain mild.

PUBLIC MEETING:  Our next virtual community meeting will be on Saturday August 5th at 2:00 pm.  The meeting will be live-streamed on the Los Padres National Forest Facebook page and can be viewed live or retroactively. If you have specific questions please send them to 2020.Dolan@firenet.gov.

SAFETY:  Fire personnel and equipment are staging and working in the Big Sur area. Highway 1 is still closed within the fire area to ensure public safety as well as to allow for safer fire fighting operations. As Labor Day Weekend begins, anticipate increased traffic in areas accessible by the public.

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