Central California wildfire destroys 20 homes

The Los Angeles County coroner’s office identifies him Tuesday as 67-year-old Robert Bresnick.

Unexpected winds feeding the beast sent a Southern California wildfire surging back to life, sending thousands fleeing the flames which have destroyed 18 homes.

Authorities said Saturday that the body of a man was discovered in a burned vehicle outside a home in Santa Clarita. Because the fire is located in a remote area, access is challenging, according to Cal Fire officials. Wyoming state forester Bill Crapser says about 900 people have evacuated.

At least 2,300 firefighters, 215 engines, 48 hand crews, 14 helicopters and six air tankers have deployed to the fire burning in rural Monterey County.

As of publication time (11:55 am) no large fires are burning in the Foothills or the Northern Sierra Nevada. PG&E spokeswoman Mayra Tostado said customers affected by the Soberanes Fire stretched from south of Carmel Highlands to Big Sur.

“Cal Fire had a very busy day in the north sector”, said George Gonzalez, Cal Fire captain.

Andrew Molera State Park is closed until further notice.

Estimates released Monday by Cal Fire show just five percent containment, with 1650 structures threatened.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Department said Monday that evacuation orders were in place for portions of the Carmel Highlands, east of Highway One.

The fire started around 8:50 a.m. on Friday near Garrapata State Park and has grown quickly.

The extent of the Monterey County wildfire covers San Luis Obispo County, Santa Barbara County, Santa Monica Mountains, Los Angeles County, San Fernando Valley and San Gabriel Valley. The fire, which has chewed through about 55 square miles of tinder-dry brush, is only partially contained.

The public is advised to use their judgment on whether they should leave their homes based on how smoky the air looks, especially for people with children or who are suffering from heart or lung disease, air district officials said.

Air conditions will continue to be monitored by APCD for smoke impacts and quality.