Disaster Recovery News

Cooler weather in the Big Sur area this weekend helped fire fighters as they work to douse the 110 square mile fire that has destroyed over 20 homes and caused the evacuation of over 800 residents. Morning fog kept the advancement of the fire into tourist areas that included restaurants and hotels at bay, though the fire remains only 5% contained.

Still, 1,400 wildfires are burning through California currently, 300 of which are not yet considered under control. Firefighters are tired; they have been working around the clock to get large fires, like those in Big Sur, contained.

Fires in the coastal region of Santa Barbara County are now the state’s top priority because it currently threatens 2,700 homes near the Los Padres National Forest.

For more updates on the latest news from the California Wildfires, visit CNN.com

Big Sur’s Sheriff’s Office has order the evaucation of over 800 residents as the flames of a wildfire continue to burn through the coastal range. The fire jumped fire lines this week and now sits at only 5% contained. The evacuation order covers a 16 mile stretch along Highway 1. The blaze has already damaged 16 homes and roughly 90 miles of forest.

This disasterous fire damage comes at the height of the area’s tourist season. Its hotels, restaurants and shops are feeling the final strain of the fires already.

FEMA is asking for the cooperation of all residents in the area stating that if they evacuate as requested, there won’t be a heightened chance of any loss of life. Families should work toward preparing their home for a potential fire and leave the area immediately. The Red Cross and several other organizations are pulling together to help local residents.

Below is a brief Associated Press video of the current Fire Situation in Big Sur.

Lighting has caused several hundred wildfires in California this week. These fires are burning up and down California and are all at various stages of containment. Many of these fires are threatening rural homes scattered throughout Big Sur and Butte County.

Fires in the Los Padres National Forest have already consumed 16 homes and is now moving toward Big Sur where 500 homes may incur fire damage. Meanwhile, firefighters have evacuated homes in Monterey County.

In Butte County, 27 lighting-caused fires are threatening 1,000 homes. This just after a blaze last month damaged 74 homes in the same area.

Fires are also sneaking up on homes in the Shasta-Trinity Forest and in Mendocino County.

This is the first of what is sure to be many instances of homes threatened by fire and smoke damage over the summer months. Learn more about fire damage and how you can salvage your belongings at Rapid Refile.