Publication Date August 2, 2016 | Monterey Herald

Soberanes Fire counts Big Sur businesses among its victims

United States
Drift smoke from the Soberanes Fire over Carmel Valley on Friday. Photo: Vern Fisher
Drift smoke from the Soberanes Fire over Carmel Valley on Friday. Photo: Vern Fisher

The Soberanes Fire has now burned 43,400 acres and remains at 18% percent containment, CalFire reported Tuesday morning.

The fire grew by more than 2500 acres overnight.

The fire has destroyed 57 homes and 11 outbuildings, and damaged 3 structures and 2 outbuildings.

More than 5,400 firefighters from fire departments across California are dedicated to fighting the Soberanes Fire, and Cal Fire set up three base camps in Toro Park, Rancho Canada and Pfeiffer State Park.

Weather conditions are more favorable for firefighters' efforts on the north end of the Soberanes Fire compared to the south end near Big Sur. The wildfire is located on steep terrain that is some of the most extreme in the United States, Cal Fire said.

The Soberanes Fire sparked in Garrapata State Park on July 22, and Cal Fire said full containment is not expected until August 31