Regarding the Soberanes Fire, I've had good reason to be tracking it very closely: my brother lives in Palo Colorado Canyon and was required to evacuate late Friday night July 22, over a week ago. Their home was in the direct path of the fire. The good news is that their home has not burned. But, the forecast for when they can return is not until full containment: August 31. Unlike many, they had a place to go. Our recently diseased parent's home is in Carmel Highlands and was vacant. Ironically, the Highlands came under an evacuation warning within 24 hour of their arrival. That warning was lifted on Friday. My brother reports that Carmel Highlands is now smoke free.
For anyone planning a vacation to the Monterey Peninsula, the tourist related business are really suffering. All the parks are closed, including Point Lobos, but the Monterey Bay Aquarium is open, and there's still lots to do including whale watching, kayaking on Monterey Bay and Elkhorn Slough, and of course world-class scuba diving.
The fire will not end soon. The forecast is that it may increase in size to 170,000 acres before it's done. There are presently over 5,000 people involved in fighting this fire. This is BIG.
Tom P.
Sunday AM Update: The wind was from the south-east overnight pushing lots of smoke toward Carmel. The fire fighters are saying "expect more smoke today" as they are setting back burns.