UPDATE: On September 11, the Dolan Fire is is 113,486 acres and only 26% contained. 14 firefighters were injured in a burnover incident. Thankfully, the last one will be leaving the hospital this week. The fire has been burning for over 3 weeks with no end in sight at this time. For anyone who loves Big Sur, please consider donating to Big Sur Fire , an all volunteer brigade made up of 22 men and women who do more than just fight fires. They are the first responders for all things in Big Sur. Fires are burning out of control all over the state of California and in other western states as well. To help, please check out DirectRelief , one of the top 10 nonprofits (according to Forbes) in providing disaster relief here and all over the world.
It is with a heavy heart that I am posting this. On August 18th, a man thought to be a member of a drug cartel started a fire in Big Sur. As of today it has burned more than 25,000 acres, is endangering homes, wildlife, National Parks and is only 20% contained. With wildfires burning aggressively all over the West, firefighters and equipment are stretched thin.
As if this wasn’t enough, with the shut downs of businesses, beaches and parks have been subjected to a crush of visitors to Big Sur. They leave behind a path of destruction never before seen to this extent. For anyone who loves the beauty and majesty of Big Sur, please read this article. We must do better to preserve what is one of the most soulful places on earth.
This is heartbreaking 💔
It is devastating for this small community and for anyone who appreciates and loves the beauty of Big Sur.
I am gobsmacked and actually speechless after reading the article about the tourists. How can people be so calloused, thoughtless and blatantly desecrate that majestic coastline is beyond my imagination. It turns my stomach and fires up my anger! And I am saddened for all the businesses in Big Sur. I’m not surprised about the pot growing; think that’s been going on for years (it certainly doesn’t excuse it!). I hope those difficult fires are contained shortly, so worrisome. Thank you, Elizabeth, for sharing these articles. ❤️
Hi Pam,
It’s been a problem for years now but this is by far the worst. Something has to be done. Not to mention the illegal campfires that start fires every year. We had 2 this sprIng. People hiking where they shouldn’t is also a problem as well as camping along Highway 1. There aren’t enough police to patrol.
I don’t know what the answer is but something has to happen before we lose this beautiful place.
I am so sorry this is happening to such a magical special place. What is happening to our world.? Makes my heart hurt.
It makes my heart hurt too, Wendy. Something has to happen but I don’t know what. I’d love my grandchildren to be able to see this place one day but if this continues I don’t know what will be left. Truly heartbreaking.