Monterey County Fires Nearly Extinguished

MONTEREY COUNTY, CA — Two large Monterey County wildfires that have been burning for two weeks are finally coming to an end, with full containment expected by this coming Sunday, Cal Fire said Monday morning.

The River Fire, burning south of Salinas, is 95 percent contained with 48,088 acres burned, 30 structures destroyed and 13 others damaged. Lightning started the blaze on Aug. 16. Four firefighters suffered minor injuries.

The Carmel Fire in Carmel Valley is at 97 percent containment with 6,905 acres burned, 73 structures destroyed and seven damaged. There were no firefighter or civilian injuries reported since its start on Aug. 18. The fire's cause has not been determined, according to Cal Fire.

Smoldering will still be visible within containment lines in Carmel Valley, but it does not pose a threat as long as it remains in the containment area, according to Cal Fire.

With the high levels of containment, firefighters are starting to return to their respective units or are being reassigned to other fires, and air quality in the area is improving.

All evacuation orders and warnings have been lifted, but residents who need assistance or shelter can call the American Red Cross at 211. To inquire about animals in the county's animal evacuation center, people can call (831) 264-5455.

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