Big Sur Valley is open for business, but fires' effects are felt

My colleague Peter Viles, who writes for our real estate blog L.A. Land, was in the Monterey area this weekend and had this to report on the effects of the nearby Big Sur fire:

"I was in Monterey Bay for a three-day vacation with my family, and we were definitely aware of the fires nearby. You could see the ash in the air in Monterey, Pacific Cove, and especially in Carmel, and from time to time the smell from the fires was pretty intense. It’s not the best time to visit; air quality is definitely an issue. That said, the area was hopping with tourists, and it seemed that all the businesses were open and the streets of Carmel were packed on Sunday.”

The situation in Big Sur seems to be settling a little, with the cool coastal fog giving firefighters a much-needed assist on the Basin Fire, the blaze closest to the iconic coastal town that has burned 39,606 acres as of 10 a.m. today. The Indians Fire, inland and southeast of Big Sur in the Ventana Wilderness area, has claimed 61,273 acres.

Closed: The Esalen Institute, the soul-soothing center that offers workshops on religion, healing and sex as well as hot springs and massage, will be closed at least until July 6, according to its website.

The building isn’t currently in danger, and some Esalen-affiliated folks remain at the site. The Esalen International Arts Festival, which could have featured a July 4 celebration and workshops beginning last weekend and continuing through July 6, has been canceled but may be rescheduled.

The website also says that fees are refundable upon request. Esalen will decide by July 2 whether or not to open workshops during July 6-11; check the website for information.

Closed: Henry Miller Memorial Library, Deetjens Big Sur Inn and Coast Galleries remain shut, largely due to the road closure along Highway 1 from Lucia in the south to Nepenthe (the restaurant is open) in the north.

Closed: Camping and day-use is shut at Andrew Molera State Beach (where they have fire crews set up in a staging area); Julia Pfeiffer Burns and Julia Pfeiffer Big Sur state parks remain shut. Also, Los Padres National Forest lands north of Nacimiento-Fergusson Road are closed. 

The Big Sur Valley is open for business, according to Stan Russell at the Big Sur Chamber of Commerce. That means the Post Ranch Inn, Ventana Inn & Spa, Big Sur River Inn are all up and running, though many folks have canceled room reservations. But when asked about the upcoming holiday weekend, Russell said: "People have been canceling ... Fourth of July? I’m not looking out that far."

Below is a map by the Los Padres National Forest of the approximate areas the fires are burning (as of 10 a.m. today).

--Mary Forgione, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

[Photo: A sign along Highway 1, top, by Peter Viles, Los Angeles Times]

Comments

[Andrew Nystrom]

Here's the latest on Hwy. 1 road closures, from the Esalen website, as of an hour ago: http://www.esalen.org/home/update.html

"Please be aware that Highway 1 is closed to traffic except for Big Sur locals with passes and emergency vehicles just south of Nepenthe. The road closure on the southern end of Big Sur has been moved north to Lucia. Closures are subject to change at any time based on fire conditions.

Local Big Sur residents can obtain a pass from the Big Sur Visitor Center allowing them access through the closure. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is closed. Escorted convoys have begun through the closure area for residents only and are subject to change based on fire activity. Residents will be required to show identification. Several businesses along Highway 1 in the fire area are closed. All national forest lands north of Nacimiento-Ferguson Road are closed to public access.

For up-to-date road information, please call (800) 427-7623 or use the California Department of Transportation site. Enter "1" in the "Enter Highway Number(s)" field, click Search, and read results in the "Central California Area" section."

- Andrew, Sr. Producer L.A. Times Travel