Soberanes Fire Burns Thru 2nd Week and 47,000 Acres, only 30% contained

The fire was first reported on Friday, July 22, 2016, at 8:48 am, reportedly the result of an unattended campfire. By Saturday morning, the fire had grown to 2,000 acres and forced the evacuation of the community of Palo Colorado. By August 3, the fire had grown to nearly 46,000 acres and was 25% contained; 57 homes and 11 outbuildings had been destroyed. The fire is not expected to be completely extinguished until the end of August.

By Sunday morning, July 24, the fire had grown to over 10,000 acres with 5% of the perimeter contained. Officials said that Toro Park would be closed so that firefighters could use the area as a base camp. Evacuation warnings were also issued for all of Carmel Highlands.

On Tuesday, July 26, acting California governor Tom Torlakson declared a state of emergency in Monterey County over the fire. Later that night, Robert Oliver Reagan, a call-as-needed bulldozer operator, was killed when his bulldozer rolled over.

By July 30, the fire had spread to the Los Padres National Forest.

Meanwhile, the Sand Fire above Santa Clarita is largely over. It is 93 percent contained and burned 41,432 acres. Crews were patrolling and mopping up contained firelines on the north, west, and south sides of the fire.

The Sand Fire is burning in the Angeles National Forest east of the Santa Clarita Valley. The fire, named for the area's Sand Canyon, is fueled by heavy chaparral and brush.