Colorado, Big Sur

Colorado, off Palo Colorado Canyon, Big Sur, south of Carmel-by-the-sea in Monterey County. CAL FIRE San Benito-Monterey and Mid Coast Fire are in Unified Command. Evacuations and road closures have been lifted.

January 31, 2022 at 7:17 AM

Fire activity remains minimal, as firefighters continue mopping-up and patrolling the fire perimeter. Offshore winds are anticipated Tuesday.

January 30, 2022 at 7:01 PM

Weather continues to be dry along the Big Sur coastline. Fire activity was minimal Sunday. Firefighters continue fire suppression repair.

January 29, 2022 at 7:01 PM

Suppression repair continues. Release of excess resources continues.

January 28, 2022 at 7:39 PM

Crews made progress on containment lines Friday, and continued to mop-up hot spots. Firefighters continue fire suppression repair. Damage inspection has been completed. Low humidity is expected to continue overnight.

January 28, 2022 at 8:07 AM

Firefighters continue to make progress strengthening control lines and mopping-up hot spots. Fire activity was minimal overnight.

January 27, 2022 at 7:09 PM

Minimal fire behavior reported. Mop-up and rehab operations continue.

January 27, 2022 at 8:23 AM

The weather should be favorable for mop-up operations through Thursday afternoon. Humidity is expected to drop late Thursday and into Friday, with an increase in winds. Firefighters continue to strengthen control lines and mop-up hot spots

January 26, 2022 at 12:08 PM

All Evacuation Orders have been lifted for the Colorado Fire effective immediately, 12:00 pm Wednesday, January 26, 2022. All road closures have been lifted. Fire crews and utility companies will be remaining in the area in an effort to mitigate any remaining fire concerns, restore utilities, and bolster infrastructure. Narrow country roads are still being utilized for response purposes, please drive slowly and be prepared to pull over to allow fire apparatus to pass and continue to conduct public safety activities. Please be aware of your surroundings and changing conditions; use caution in these areas, and obey all traffic control signs.

January 26, 2022 at 7:40 AM

Fire activity was minimal overnight, with higher humidity and light winds.

January 25, 2022 at 7:16 PM

Winds were light over the Colorado Fire Tuesday, and are expected to remain light Wednesday. Firefighters continue strengthening the control lines and mopping-up hot spots.

Colorado Fire Evacuees needing shelter assistance can contact 2-1-1 for information and assistance. The Carmel Middle School Shelter has closed.

January 25, 2022 at 3:22 PM

CALFIRE update: Many people are inquiring when Highway 1 from Palo Colorado Road to the Bixby Creek Bridge will reopen to the public. Currently, that stretch of roadway contains many potential hazards, including fire, falling rock, and heavy emergency services vehicles. (see photos below). Safety is our number one priority. An increase in traffic on the roadway could create additional hazards. CAL FIRE, Mid Coast Fire Brigade, Big Sur Fire Volunteer Brigade, Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, CHP, and Caltrans are actively and regularly assessing the safety of the roadway, and are working to identify a date when it can be reopened to the public. We understand that this is a significant community lifeline, and we greatly appreciate your patience and cooperation.

January 25, 2022 at 8:26 AM

Evacuation Center(s): The Red Cross is issuing hotel vouchers. Carmel Middle School evacuation center has closed.

January 24, 2022 at 8:02 PM

Fire behavior was moderate on Monday.  Onshore winds along the Big Sur Coast and over the Colorado Fire have increased humidity to around 60 to 70 percent. Similar conditions are anticipated for Tuesday.  Firefighters continue to strengthen control lines and mop-up hot spots.

January 24, 2022 at 7:32 AM

CAL FIRE Amador-El Dorado Unit (AEU) is helping to support firefighting efforts at the Colorado Fire in Monterey County. The AEU McClellan Air Tanker Base has staffed up 1 CAL FIRE OV-10 Air Attack, 2 CAL FIRE S-2 Initial Attack Aircrafts and 1 Type-1 MD-87 Air-tanker.

January 23, 2022 at 7:38 PM Updated acreage is now 700 acres – containment is up to 35%. Winds continue to create challenges for crews along the fire perimeter. Seasonable temperatures are expected much of this week and relative humidity values are forecast to increase Monday. Firefighters continue to strengthen control lines and mop-up hot spots.

January 23, 2022 at 9:56 AM

The fire behavior was moderate and made wind-driven runs late Saturday night and into Sunday morning, with some isolated tree torching. Crews will continue building and improving containment lines and mopping up hotspots Sunday.

No change in evacuations, 225 structures remain threatened.

January 22, 2022 at 6:53 PM

Updated acreage due to better mapping. One structure has been damaged. No injuries reported.

January 22, 2022 at 4:57 PM

Containment is now reported at 20%, air resources are assisting firefighters on the ground.

January 22, 2022 at 4:35 PM

CAL FIRE update: Jan 21,2022 at approximately 7:30 PM a vegetation fire was reported in the area of 38433 Palo Colorado Road, South of Carmel Highlands.

The fire has grown to approximately 1500 acres and is 5% contained. One structure has been damaged and no injuries have been reported. Monterey County Sheriff’s Department initiated evacuations in the area of Palo Colorado Road to Highway 1. Highway 1 is closed from Garapata Creek to Pt. Sur Lighthouse.

Cooperating agencies include CAL FIRE, CAL OES, Mid Coast Fire Brigade, Big Sur Volunteer Fire Department, Monterey Fire Department, Salinas Fire Department, Monterey County Regional Fire District, Carmel Highlands Fire Protection District, Pebble Beach Community Services District, Cypress Fire Protection District North Monterey County Fire District, Santa Barbara County Fire Department, South Monterey County Fire Protection District, Marina Fire Department, Presidio of Monterey Fire Department, Fort Hunter Liggett Fire Department, Seaside Fire Department, Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol, Cal State Monterey Bay University Police Department, California State Parks, CAL TRANS and PGE.

Cause remains under investigation

January 22, 2022 at 3:04 PM

Due to the Colorado Fire, Highway 1 Northbound/Southbound Full Closure In Effect from Molera Park Entrance/Coast Rd. to Granite Canyon Bridge.

January 22, 2022 at 10:31 AM

A reminder for both locals and visitors, Highway 1 has a full closure due to the #coloradofire from Andrew Molera/Coast Road to Granite Canyon Bridge.

January 22, 2022 at 8:25 AM

An American Red Cross Shelter is located at Carmel Middle School, 4380 Carmel Valley Rd. The SPCA will have emergency pet supplies available at the American Red Cross Shelter at Carmel Middle School for anyone evacuating from the Colorado Fire in Big Sur.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office issued an Evacuation Order for all areas West of 3800 Palo Colorado Rd. to Highway 1 and south to Bixby Creek. Evacuation orders are mandatory.