Incident Overview

The Mill Fire was reported at 5:36 a.m. on July 30, 2019 on Mill Creek, north west of the Ventana Wilderness off of Nacimiento Ferguson Road. As of this morning, 280 acres have burned with 15% containment. The fire is burning in chaparral, timber and tall grass. It is burning in steep and rugged terrain. Currently, there is no threat to communities, structures or to the public. Access into the area via roads and trails has been closed off.

There are currently 676 resources assigned to the fire, including:

Crews – 23
Engines – 35
Type 1 Helicopters – 3
Type 2 Helicopters – 2
Lead planes – 2
Air Attack – 7

Road Closures: The Nacimiento-Ferguson Road is closed to allow safe access and egress of fire equipment and personnel.

Evacuations: There are currently no evacuations orders in effect for the Mill Fire. However, California’s wildfire season is just beginning. Please visit https://www.readyforwildfire.org to learn preparedness information that will help you if a fire starts near your home, business, or vacation spot.

Current Fire Restrictions: The Los Padres National Forest currently does not allow open fires, campfires or charcoal fires outside of developed recreation sites or designated Campfire Use Sites even with a valid California Campfire Permit. Additional Details are available on the Alerts and Notices page of the Los Padres National Forest Website.

Aviation and Drone Restrictions: The FAA has issued Temporary Flight Restrictions over the Mill Fire Area; Hobby Drone are subject to the same restrictions. Watch a quick Public Service Announcement on Drone Safety.

Basic Information

Current as of	8/1/2019, 11:10:00 AM
Incident Type	Wildfire
Date of Origin	Wednesday July 31st, 2019 approx. 05:30 AM
Location	Northwest of Ventana Wilderness off of Nacimiento Ferguson Road
Incident Commander	Anthony Zavalla
Incident Description	Wildland Fire
Coordinates	36.009 latitude, -121.467 longitude

Outlook

Planned Actions

Increase containment and keep the fire from crossing Nacimiento Ferguson Road to the south into the Ventana Wilderness and from getting into Mill and Kirk Creek drainages and north of Cone Peak.

Current Weather

Weather Concerns

Typical weather patterns along the Big Sur Coast line is to have a marine layer between 1000 to 1500 feet. Land above that elevation has no humidity recovery or influence from the marine layer, which increases fire behavior. The Mill Fire is located in this environment, contributing to increased fire behavior throughout the evening. High pressure is to begin establishing today with expected increase in temperatures and decrease in relative humidities.

Current Situation

Total Personnel	676
Size	280 Acres
Percent of Perimeter Contained	15%
Estimated Containment Date	Monday August 05th, 2019 approx. 11:00 PM
Fuels Involved	Chaparral, timber and tall grass
Significant Events	Isolated torching of trees and minimal movement has been observed.

Outlook

Planned Actions

Increase containment and keep the fire from crossing Nacimiento Ferguson Road to the south into the Ventana Wilderness and from getting into Mill and Kirk Creek drainages and north of Cone Peak.

MORE INFORMATION AND UPDATES FROM INCIWEB HERE:
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6478

US Forest Service

For Immediate Release

Andrew Madsen

(805)961-5759

Current:

The Mill Fire started July 30, 2019, at 5:36 AM near Lyons Creek along Nacimiento-Fergusson Road above California State Highway 1 on the Monterey Ranger District of Los Padres National Forest. The fire is currently estimated to have burned 280 acres east of State Highway 1 and west of Cone Peak Road and is 10 percent contained. The fire is burning in tall, dry grass beds and becoming established in heavy fuels. There is no present threat to communities, structures or the public.

A full response including engines, hand crews and air support is actively suppressing the fire. Crews workedthroughout the night in steep, rugged terrain constructing containment lines. The east and west flanks of the fire have stabilized but the head of the fire continues to burn to the northeast.

Hand crews will continue suppression work today in tandem with air support to prevent the fire from burning further into the Ventana Wilderness. Where direct action is safe and will prove successful, crews will be using direct fireline suppression activities. In other areas, aircraft will be used to hold the fire in check. In some areas of the Mill Fire it is unsafe for firefighters to take direct action.

Road/Trail Closures:

Nacimiento-Fergusson Road between Highway 1 and Fort Hunter Liggett; Cone Peak Road; South Coast Ridge Road between Chalk Peak and Nacimiento-Fergusson Road; Vicente Flat and Mill Creek Trails

For additional Fire Information call Monterey Ranger District (831) 385-5434

See attached document for more information

2019_July31_Mill_Fire_Afternoon_Update.docx

Mill Fire Update

July 31, 2019 – 11:15 A.M.

Incident Overview

The Mill Fire was reported at 5:36 a.m. on July 30, 2019 on Mill Creek, north west of the Ventana Wilderness off of Nacimiento Ferguson Road. As of this morning, 280 acres have burned with 10% containment. The fire is burning in chaparral, timber and tall grass. It is burning in steep and rugged terrain. Currently, there is no threat to communities, structures or to the public. Access into the area via roads and trails has been closed off.

There are currently 482 resources assigned to the fire, including:

Crews – 14
Engines – 30
Type 1 Helicopters – 3
Type 2 Helicopters – 2
Tankers – various
Lead planes – 2
Air Attack – 7

ESTIMATED CONTAINMENT DATE: AUGUST 1, 2019

MORE INFORMATION AND UPDATES HERE:

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6478

Mill Fire Update

July 30, 2019
5:00 PM

Mill Fire verbal report from Andrew Madsen, Los Padres National Forest.

120 acres burned.

250 firefighters on scene.

Strike team coming in from Angeles Forest tonight.

Air tankers have been laying down fire retardant.

Nacimiento Road remains closed to the public.

For photos and updates Big Sur Kate has a ringside seat with a great view of the fire and has been posting a good collection of photos as well as staying on top of the latest updates. You can follow her blog here:
https://bigsurkate.blog/

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CALTRANS
Today’s Date: Thursday, July 18, 2019

District: 05–Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz Counties
Contact: Jim Shivers or Colin Jones

Phone: (805) 549-3237 or (805) 549-3189

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CALTRANS USING GOATS TO CONTROL NON-NATIVE PLANTS ON HIGHWAY 1

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY – Caltrans is using goats to aid in controlling weeds within a 20-acre site adjacent to Highway 1 just north of the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse. Instead of relying on herbicides, Caltrans is taking a more sustainable approach to revitalizing the native coastal prairie adjacent to the recent highway realignment project that was completed in 2017.

On Monday July 15th, two double decker trucks unloaded about 300 animals to help remove invasive non-native weeds such as bur clover, mustard, and thistle. The animals are confined to selected grazing areas by temporary fencing which is moved every few days. These goats will graze at a rate of approximately one acre per day, for the next three weeks. This project will also help to reduce the use of herbicides.

“I am proud that our Landscape Architecture group is committed to designing sustainable and innovative solutions through collaborative teamwork.” said Caltrans District 5 Landscape Architect, Katherine Brown, who is overseeing this project as part of an intensive habitat restoration project. The goats are managed by shepherds from Living Systems Land Management a subcontractor of the Caltrans prime contractor, Empire Landscaping Inc. of Davis, CA.

Caltrans reminds motorists to move over and slow down when driving through highway construction zones.

For traffic updates on other state highways on the Central Coast motorists can call Caltrans District 5 Public Affairs at (805) 549-3318 or visit the District 5 website at:

https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-5

Goats along Highway 1 before vegetation removal

Goats along Highway 1 after vegetation removal

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CALTRANS
Today’s Date: Friday, July 12, 2019
District: 05 – Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz Counties
Contact: Heidi Ruiz or Colin Jones
Phone: (805) 549-3138 or (805) 549-3189
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONSTRUCTION PROJECT ON STATE ROUTE 1 BETWEEN HURRICANE POINT AND ROCKY CREEK BRIDGE IN BIG SUR CONTINUES MONDAY, JULY 15

BIG SUR – A construction project to widen the shoulders on the existing roadway and upgrade the guardrail continues Monday, July 15 along State Route 1 between Hurricane Point and the Rocky Creek Bridge in Big Sur, Caltrans officials announced today.

This work will take place during the daytime hours and will require one-way reversing traffic control. The project location extends from 1 ½ miles north/south of the Bixby Bridge.

Daytime work

• Mondays through Thursdays: 5 am to 2 pm.
• Fridays: 5 am to 12 noon.

NOTE: Motorists can expect delays not to exceed 25 minutes. Expect heavier than normal traffic due to summer visitors. Electronic message signs have been posted alerting the traveling public of this project.

Roadwork will shift to the overnight hours when the paving and striping occurs. Details will be announced when certain.

The contractor for this $3 million construction project is Granite Construction Co. of Santa Clara, CA. This project will be completed this summer.

Caltrans reminds motorists to move over and slow down when
driving through highway work zones.

For more information on this project and for traffic updates on other Caltrans projects in Monterey County, residents can call the District 5 toll free number at 1-831-372-0862 or can visit our website at: http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist05/paffairs/release.htm#mon

TAMC CONE ZONE REPORT
For Big Sur
ROAD AND LANE CLOSURES SCHEDULED FOR July 14 – July 20

MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for Monterey County from Sunday, July 14 through Saturday, July 20. Please keep in mind that construction work is weather-dependent.

Highway 1: Ragged Point, Big Sur: June – August
One – way traffic controls will be in place on northbound and southbound Highway 1 between Ragged Point and San Carpoforo Creek Bridge just outside of the Monterey County line for emergency work to construct a viaduct and retaining wall. Roadwork will take place Monday through Thursday from 6 am until 6 pm and from 6 am until 2 pm on Fridays. Electronic message boards will be in place and a temporary traffic signal will be activated by August allowing traffic to move in each direction 24/7 until project completion.

Highway 1: Big Sur State Park Entrance – Fernwood, Big Sur: July 17
One-way traffic controls will be in place along northbound and southbound Highway 1 between the Big Sur State Park entrance and Fernwood for utility work from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
June 28, 2019
Media Contact: Andrew Madsen
(805) 961-5759
andrewmadsen
www.facebook.com/lpnf
Twitter: @LosPadresNF

Los Padres National Forest officials raise fire restrictions

GOLETA, Calif. – In response to the increasing potential for a wildland fire start, Los Padres National Forest officials announced that fire restrictions will be raised throughout the Forest effective tomorrow, June 29. These restrictions will affect the use of campfires, stoves, smoking materials and internal combustion engines, and will remain in effect until the end of fire season in late autumn.

Effective June 29, the following restrictions will be in effect:

· No open fires, campfires or charcoal fires will be permitted outside of developed recreation sites or designated Campfire Use Sites (list attached), even with a valid California Campfire Permit. Lanterns and portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel will be permitted, but only with a valid California Campfire Permit, which are available free-of-charge on the Forest website and at any U.S. Forest Service office. Forest visitors must clear all flammable material for five feet in all directions from their camp stove, have a shovel available, and ensure that a responsible person attends the stove at all times during use.

· Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or a designated Campfire Use Site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.

· Internal combustion engines may be operated only on roads or designated trails. This restriction is in effect year-round. Please make sure your engine is tuned, operating properly, and has an approved spark arrester.

· Fireworks – even the “safe and sane” variety – are not permitted at any time or in any location within the Forest,

For a list of Developed Recreation Sites and Campfire Use Sites in Los Padres National Forest, or further information regarding Fire-Safe Camping, visit www.fs.usda.gov/lpnfor contact the U.S. Forest Service district office nearest you.

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PLEASE NOTE THE MEETINGS ARE IN CAMBRIA AND CARMEL.
THERE IS NO MEETING IN SAN LUIS OBISPO

CALTRANS
Today’s Date: Monday, June 24, 2019
District: 05 – Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz Counties
Contact: Susana Z. Cruz (Bilingual) or Colin Jones
Phone: (805) 549-3138 or (805) 549-3189

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CALTRANS PUBLIC MEETINGS ON HIGHWAY 1 MANAGEMENT PLAN

SAN LUIS OBISPO/MONTEREY COUNTIES – CaltransDistrict 5 will hold two Public Information Meetings this week allowing the public to provide feedback on developing a Sustainable Transportation Demand Management Plan.

The meetings will take place on Tuesday, June 25 at the Cambria Veterans Hall at 1000 Main Street in Cambria from 4 pm to 5:30 pm.

The second meeting will take place Wednesday, June 26 at the Rancho Canada Club – Wedgewood Meeting Center – Merienda Ballroom at 4860 Carmel Valley Road in Carmel from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

This plan will include developing viable alternatives to driving during peak periods, addressing visitor needs to reduce impacts to natural resources, develop parking strategies and identify potential electric vehicle charging stations.

June Press Release_190621.pdf

 

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BIG SUR HIGHWAY 1
Sustainable Transportation Demand Management Plan

PURPOSE
Traversing north to south for about 100 miles, Highway 1 through Big Sur extends from Carmel-by-the-Sea south to the junction of Highway 1 and State Route 46. It provides access to residences, businesses, and public facilities as well as being a key transportation corridor between communities and activity centers to the north and south. Visitor demand along the Big Sur Highway exemplifies the popularity of access to recreation areas and the desire for scenic recreational touring. Private automobile use along the highway is increasingly unsustainable—reducing the quality of the visitor experience, creating operational concerns, and degrading the natural, human, and historical attributes of the highway.

Caltrans is working with a stakeholder Advisory Committee, stakeholder groups from different regions along the corridor, and interested residents to develop a Sustainable Transportation Demand Management Plan. The Plan will provide a collaborative and comprehensive framework to address the increasing visitor demand along the Big Sur Coast in an efficient and environmentally-sustainable way.

PROJECT MAP

The plan builds upon the 2004 Big Sur Coast Highway Management Plan and the Big Sur Land Use Plan to develop a set of goals and strategies to address visitor demands along the highway. Collaboration among stakeholders to address shared issues is a key principle of the Plan. The plan will encompass the many goals from a wide range of stakeholders, while also planning for future changes in transportation patterns and trends. The plan will address issues associated with the Highway 1 corridor, including limited off-highway parking, visitors walking along the highway, increased travel times, identifying potential electric vehicle charging stations, and other operational concerns. Also addressed be will the physical and environmental constraints which limit the ability and appropriateness of expanding the footprint of roads, parking areas, and other transportation infrastructure.

PROJECT GOALS
Goals will be developed during stakeholder and focus group meetings, and will be posted here on the website afterward.

This website is dedicated to the Big Sur Highway 1 Sustainable Transportation Demand Management Plan. Here you’ll find everything from information on the project, presentations, and opportunities to provide input.

GET INVOLVED
https://www.sustainablehighway1.com

MEDIA ADVISORY:

CALTRANS
Today’s Date: Friday, June 14, 2019
District: 05 – Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz Counties
Contact: Susana Z Cruz (bilingual) or Colin Jones
Phone: (805) 549-3138 or (805) 549-3189

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

*REMINDER #2*
U.S. Open Traffic and Transit Information

In preparation for the 119th U.S. Open Championship, the United States Golf Association (USGA) and Pebble Beach company unveiled a comprehensive transportation plan to ensure the safe and efficient movement of traffic and pedestrians during the championship, scheduled for June 10-16.

More than 16,000 satellite parking spaces have been secured to help ensure that the anticipated 250,000 fans at the U.S. Open experience trouble-free travel to and from the Pebble Beach. Local traffic representatives from the California Highway Patrol, Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, and California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) have been involved in the 18-month-long planning process with the USGA and Pebble Beach Company.

All fans traveling by car during U.S. Open week should follow event trailblazing signage to California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) in Marina, CA, where complimentary parking and shuttle transportation will be provided to and from Pebble Beach. Shuttles will run continuously beginning at 5:30 a.m. PDT each day and continue for one hour following the conclusion of play. One-way shuttle times are expected to take approximately 30-35 minutes, depending upon traffic.

There is no general parking for fans with disabilities available in the immediate vicinity of Pebble Beach Golf Links. All other parking is by permit only. Parking restrictions surrounding the championship grounds and within the Del Monte Forest will be closely monitored and enforced. 17-Mile Drive will be closed to tourist traffic June 9 through June 16, 2019.

Handicapped-accessible parking spaces will be available at all championship parking areas for vehicles displaying appropriate HP/DP license plates or placards. Individuals requiring lift-equipped transportation are encouraged to contact the USGA Admissions Office at 800-698-0661 for more information.

The cities of Carmel, Monterey and Pacific Grove are offering express shuttle bus services to the U.S. Open for residents and community guests. For more information on fees, daily schedules, frequency, and locations of service, please visit the Carmel Chamber of Commerce (carmelchamber.org), Cannery Row Company (canneryrow.com) and Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce (pacificgrove.com) websites.

Fans and local residents wishing to utilize ride-share options to be dropped off at the championship should utilize the designated Passenger Drop-Off area along Forest Lake Road, located near Gate 1 within the Del Monte Forest. There is no parking or staging for vehicles, so pickup times will need to be coordinated accordingly. Vehicles proceeding to the Passenger Drop-Off are instructed to enter the Del Monte Forest through the Pacific Grove Gate or Morse Gate located on CA-68. Please follow directional signs and attendants to the appropriate pickup and drop-off location. Due to traffic restrictions, access is limited to vehicles no larger than a 12-passenger van or limousine. Passenger Drop-Off vehicles are not permitted to pick-up or drop-off at any other location around the championship grounds.

For the week of Monday, June 10 through June 16, local residents and through traffic are encouraged to adjust travel around peak U.S. Open arrival and departure times (7-11 a.m. and 3:30-7:30 p.m.) if possible. The local residents and area commuters from Castroville Blvd. to eastbound Hwy. 156, there will be no left turn out of Castroville Blvd. onto eastbound Hwy. 156 from Wednesday, June 12 at 10 am through Monday, June 17 at 10 am. There will be a detour to turn right from Castroville Blvd. onto westbound Hwy. 156 traffic will exit at SR-183/Merritt Street then a left at Merritt Street and a left turn back onto eastbound Hwy 156.

Local residents and area commuters from the Salinas Valley are encouraged to follow alternate routing and trailblazing signage to General Jim Moore Boulevard, avoiding CSUMB and CA-1. Due to U.S. Open traffic, delays can be expected along the primary routes of CA-1 from Exit 399A (Pebble Beach) to Exit 414 (Nashua/Molera Road). Monterey and Pacific Grove commuters should avoid the use of Exit 399A and CA-68 during peak times.

Caltrans will be conducting overnight maintenance work on Hwy 101 at Market Street beginning at 9 pm to 5 am each night: Sunday, June 9 through Tuesday, June 11 (into Wednesday morning).

Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol remain on call 24/7 to respond to traffic issues during the week-long U.S. Open Championship.

ALTERNATE COMMUTER ROUTES

Alternate Commuter Routing Inbound from Salinas traffic using Blanco Road

• Proceed westbound on Blanco Road to Reservation Road.
• Turn left onto Reservation Road for 1.0 miles.
• Turn right onto Inter-Garrison Road for 0.5 miles.
• Turn right to stay on Inter-Garrison Road for 2.2 miles.
• At the traffic circle, take the second exit onto 8th Avenue for 0.8 miles.
• Turn right onto Gigling Road for 1.1 miles.
• Turn left onto General Moore Boulevard, proceeding southbound into Seaside, CA and towards CA-68.

Alternate Commuter Routing Inbound from Salinas traffic using Reservation Road

• Proceed westbound on Reservation Road towards Inter-Garrison Road.
• Turn left onto Inter-Garrison Road for 0.5 miles.
• Turn right to stay on Inter-Garrison Road for 2.2 miles.

• At the traffic circle, take the second exit onto 8th Avenue for 0.8 miles.
• Turn right onto Gigling Road for 1.1 miles.
• Turn left onto General Jim Moore Boulevard, proceeding southbound into Seaside, CA and towards CA-68.

From the North using CA-1 Southbound

• Follow CA-1 South. Take Exit 406 for Lightfighter Drive for 0.5 miles.
• Turn left onto 2nd Avenue for 0.9 miles and follow signage to the parking lot.

From the South using CA-1 Northbound

• Follow CA-1 North. Take Exit 406 for Lightfighter Drive for 0.3 miles.
• Turn left onto 2nd Avenue for 0.9 miles and follow signage to the parking lot.

From the North using US-101 Southbound

• Follow US-101 South. Take Exit 336 towards Monterey Peninsula.
• Merge onto CA-156 West continuing for 6.1 miles.
• Merge onto CA-1 South continuing for 7.9 miles.
• Take Exit 406 for Lightfighter Drive for 0.5 miles.
• Turn Left onto 2nd Avenue for 0.9 miles and follow signage to the parking lot.

From the South using US-101 Northbound

• Follow US-101 North. Take Exit 326C towards Monterey Peninsula.
• Turn right onto Sanborn Road for 0.8 miles continuing onto East Blanco Road for 1.6 miles.
• Turn left onto CA-68 West/S. Main Street for 2.3 miles proceeding to Exit 20 for Reservation Road.
• Turn right onto Reservation Road for 4.4 miles.
• Turn left onto Inter-Garrison Road for 0.3 miles.
• Turn right to continue onto Inter-Garrison Road for 2.5 miles (continue straight through traffic circle).
• Turn slight right onto 8th Street for 1.0 miles and follow signage to the parking lot.

USGA will have more information about the championship, please visit usopen.com.

Caltrans has real-time travel conditions; please visit http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/