In today's newscast:
2,000 acres burn in Big Sur
The Timber Fire in Big Sur has exceeded 2,000 acres, according to the Watch Duty fire monitoring app. Four zones are now evacuated.
Cal Fire Battalion Chief Josh Silveira says the steep, rugged terrain of Big Sur makes it challenging to get fires under control.
"The topography is one challenge," he said. "Another challenge is the weather."
Warm, dry winds aren’t letting up at night—conditions the National Weather Service predicts will continue for the next several days.
"They don't see any kind of reprieve in sight," Silveira said.
About 300 firefighters were on the ground Monday, with assistance from helicopters and planes. Highway 1 is still open, but Silveira asks that people enjoying Car Week look for alternate routes.
"Just give our crews that are working down there on the highway some space so they can work safely."
Mandatory evacuation orders are in place near the Henry Miller Memorial Library. Updates are on Ready Monterey County and the Monterey County Sheriff's Office social media.
Offshore drilling opposition
Central Coast leaders continue to oppose offshore oil drilling.
Several gathered at the Monterey Bay Aquarium on Monday to reject the latest proposal.
Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-Carmel Valley, says the new plan could open protected areas.
“This was made clear by their five-year leasing plan to open up previously protected waters off of Alaska, off of the Gulf, off of the Atlantic, and yes, off of the Pacific, including what we see behind us," he said.
Monterey Bay Aquarium CEO Jenny Gray says protecting the ocean means understanding the life beneath its surface.
"It’s that moment where you put your head under the water, where suddenly you see how much life is under this water," she said. "It's really hard when you just look at the surface to understand the complexity and beauty of what lives right here."
Local leaders are preparing for the next public comment period on the proposal.
