Pfeiffer Fire Now At 500 Acres and 5% Containment

Big Sir, CA…A wildfire started around midnight in the vicinity of Pfeiffer Ridge in the Monterey Ranger District of Los Padres National Forest. The fire has burned at least 500 with 5 percent containment. Due to the heavy smoke and rough terrain the acreage size of the fire will become more accurate as the smoke clears and better mapping becomes available. The evacuations of Pfeiffer Ridge Road remain in effect and include the following: Sycamore Canyon Road on the south to Clear Ridge on the north Highway 1 on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west. The following road closures are still in place: Clear Ridge Road Pfeiffer Ridge Road and River Inn to Pfeiffer Ridge Road. Highway 1 is open but be prepared as there will be additional traffic due to emergency vehicles.

The incident transitioned to Central Coast Interagency Incident Team 7 with Mark Nunez Incident Commander on Tuesday December 17th 2013 at 6:00am.

The following resources have been assigned to the fire: Crews – 18 Engines – 44 Dozers – 2 Water tenders – 3.

Cooperating agencies include: US Forest Service Cal Fire Monterey County SO California State Parks CHP Red Cross Big Sur Fire Brigade and Mid Coast volunteers.

Basic Information
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Under Investigation
Date of Origin Monday December 16th, 2013 approx. 12:00 AM
Incident Commander Mark Nunez
Current Situation
Total Personnel 495
Size 500 acres
Percent Contained 5%
Fuels Involved

Chaparral, heavy timber
Fire Behavior

Running, spotting up to 1/4 mile, erratic fire behavior.
Significant Events

Sycamore, River Inn and Pfeiffer roads are closed. Evacuations of residences in Pfeiffer Ridge community. Air resources are being utilized.
Outlook
Planned Actions

Continue direct control objectives, hold control line that has been established and provide structure protection.
Growth Potential

High
Terrain Difficulty

Extreme
Remarks

Central Coast Interagency Incident Management Team 7, Incident Commander Mark Nunez assumed command of the fire at 6:00 am.
Current Weather
Temperature 65 degrees
Humidity 24%